Malmö Redhawks forward Linus Öberg is widely expected to continue his professional hockey career in Finland next season, bringing an end to his tenure with the Swedish club. The 25-year-old has been a key contributor for Malmö, particularly during their recent playoff run, but with his contract expiring, a move abroad appears increasingly likely.
Öberg’s departure comes after Malmö was eliminated from the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) playoffs by Skellefteå. While he registered a goal in the third quarterfinal game, it wasn’t enough to propel his team forward. The forward has spent his entire SHL career to date with Örebro, Frölunda, and Malmö, establishing himself as a consistent performer.
According to reports from Expressen, Öberg is currently in negotiations with a Finnish club. While the specifics of any potential deal remain undisclosed, the indications are strong that he will be playing in Finland next season. This marks a significant step for Öberg, who has never played professionally outside of Sweden.
“Honestly, I have no idea,” Öberg said following Malmö’s playoff defeat, when asked about his future plans. “I’m playing this season, and then we’ll see what happens.” When pressed about reports linking him to Finland, he offered a similarly cautious response: “We’ll see what happens, as I said.”
This season, Öberg recorded 18 points (13 goals and 5 assists) in 52 regular-season games for Malmö. He also contributed three points in six playoff matches, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. His offensive contributions were a vital part of Malmö’s attack, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt next season.
The move to Finland represents a latest chapter for Öberg, offering him the opportunity to experience a different style of play and compete in a new league. The Finnish Liiga is known for its high skill level and passionate fanbase, and Öberg could thrive in that environment. For many young Swedish players, the Liiga serves as a valuable stepping stone to even greater opportunities, including the KHL or NHL.
While Öberg remains tight-lipped about his next destination, the reports from Expressen and Skånesport suggest that a deal is close to being finalized. The forward has indicated he is “open to everything,” but the consistent reports pointing towards Finland suggest that is where he is leaning. It’s a common scenario for players with expiring contracts to explore options outside their current league, especially when a team isn’t able to immediately offer a competitive extension.
The situation highlights the increasing globalization of professional hockey, with players frequently moving between leagues in search of better opportunities or new challenges. The SHL remains a highly respected league, but the Liiga offers a different competitive landscape and a chance for Öberg to broaden his hockey experience.
Merhockey.se also reported on the developing situation, reiterating the reports from Expressen and emphasizing Öberg’s performance during the SM-slutspelet. The outlet noted that despite his contributions, his time with Malmö appears to be coming to an end.
HockeyNews.se similarly reported on the situation, stating that Öberg’s entire career has been spent in the SHL, but that is likely to change. The reports consistently point to Finland as the most probable destination for the forward.
As of March 28, 2026, no official announcement has been made regarding Öberg’s future. However, all indications suggest that he will be playing in Finland next season. Fans will be watching closely for an official confirmation in the coming days or weeks.
The next step for Öberg will be to finalize the details of his contract with the Finnish club. Once that is complete, an official announcement is expected from both the club and the player. Until then, speculation will continue, but the overwhelming evidence suggests that Öberg’s next chapter will be written in Finland.
Öberg’s potential move to Finland is a significant development for both the player and the two leagues involved. It represents a new opportunity for Öberg to showcase his skills on an international stage, and it adds another talented player to the already competitive Finnish Liiga.
