Samuel Johannesson returns home to the SHL.
According to several independent sources to Expressen, the offensive back is ready for Frölunda for next season.
– We are working on our team next season, but I do not comment on individual names, says Frölunda’s sports manager Fredrik Sjöström.
Frölunda has been hunting for a replacement for the Swiss Dominik Egli ever since it became clear that the defender will return home to Switzerland and Davos next season. Now the hunt is over.
According to information to Expressen, the club has finished with the offensive back Samuel Johannesson. Several mutually independent sources state that the parties have been in agreement for some time.
Johannesson has been high on sporting director Fredrik Sjöström’s list for a long time. Backen himself has been clear that he wants to return to Europe next season – and despite interest from several Swiss clubs, the choice now falls on SHL and Frölunda, which can be good for development and being able to end up in Switzerland at a later stage.
The 25-year-old defender has SHL routine from Rögle, Brynäs and Örebro and has played AHL hockey with the Springfield Thunderbirds for the last two seasons. There, Johannesson has produced 43 points in 92 games.
This season, however, he has been poked at times and now he chooses to return to the safety of his home in Sweden to get a fresh start.
Seven slopes ready in Frölunda
In Johannesson, Frölunda gets a perfect replacement for Egli, both game-wise and in the power play.
Expressen has been in contact with Frölunda’s sporting director Fredrik Sjöström, who does not want to comment on any specific names.
– As always, you work with your team for the coming season. So of course we are in that part of the work right now.
According to our information, you agree with Samuel Johannesson.
– I have no comments on that. I do not comment on individual names, says Sjöström.
With Samuel Johannesson’s signature, Frölunda has seven backs ready on contract next season.
The transition is expected to become official only after the season.
