Detroit Red Wings Prospect Signs In Sweden

Detroit Red Wings' prospect Pontus Andreasson has made the decision to leave North American hockey and return to play for his former team, Lulea, in the Swedish Hockey League.

Andreasson spent last season playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL after signing a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings, but struggled to find his footing, posting a team-worst minus-20 rating while recording 12 goals and 13 assists in 63 games.

Pontus Andreasson, as expected, back in the SHL and Luleå and leaving #GoGRG and the #LGRW organization. https://t.co/oyY3qYUaqN

— Lars Thorsell (@LarsThorsell) April 25, 2023

On the other hand, his rookie season with Lulea in 2021-22 was highly impressive, with 18 goals and 20 assists in 52 games, earning him the runner-up spot for rookie-of-the-year in the SHL.

Andreasson also performed well in the playoffs with eight goals and 13 points in 13 games, leading Lulea to the league final.

The 24-year-old expressed his excitement about returning to Lulea, where he previously played, and has signed a four-year contract with the team. He believes his time in North America helped him mature further in the game and he is confident he can contribute more all over the ice than his previous stint with Lulea.

Pontus Andreasson returns to Luleå and the SHL after a season with Grand Rapids where he posted 25 points in 63 games. https://t.co/wlcyTFHHHy pic.twitter.com/mGNJGXq4Xz

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) April 25, 2023

Lulea's general manager, Stefan Nilsson, praised Andreasson's contribution to the team and expressed his delight at agreeing to a longer contract with him.

Overall, Andreasson's decision to return to Lulea seems to be a strategic move to secure a more prominent role and longer-term opportunity in his home country, given that he may not have been quite ready for the NHL yet.

While Detroit can still retain his NHL rights by issuing a qualifying offer this summer, it remains to be seen if they will do so, as Andreasson will be eligible for NHL unrestricted free agency by the time his new contract with Lulea expires. Photo Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports