Örebro HK Bolsters Crease with Signing of Goaltender Filip Larsson
Örebro HK has officially made its first move for the 2026/27 season, securing the signature of 27-year-ancient goaltender Filip Larsson. The transaction, confirmed on April 10, 2026, brings Larsson to the club from Leksands IF on a contract that extends through the 2027/28 season.
Larsson arrives in Örebro following a whirlwind period in his professional career, having recently transitioned back to Sweden after a two-year stint in North America. The move signals a strategic effort by Örebro to stabilize their goaltending with a player who possesses both North American experience and a proven track record in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
A High-Level Addition to the Roster
Örebro management views Larsson as a pivotal piece for their upcoming campaigns. Henrik Löwdahl emphasized the quality the goaltender brings to the organization, noting that Larsson is at a stage in his career where he is prepared to elevate his game further.
“In Filip, we get a goaltender with a incredibly high level,” Löwdahl said. “He is at an age where he is ready to take the next step, and we are convinced that he will fit very well into our environment and our way of working. It will be exciting to follow his continued development with us.”
For Larsson, the move to Örebro represents a fresh start and a calculated step in his professional journey. The goaltender cited positive interactions with the club’s leadership and goaltending coach, Kristoffer, as key factors in his decision.
“it feels fun and inspiring to get this opportunity,” Larsson said. “I have had good conversations with Kristoffer, who is the goaltending coach, as well as the rest of the management. I have gotten a good picture of the association, and Örebro feels like a good place for me where I am in my career.”
From the NHL Draft to the SHL
Larsson’s trajectory has been marked by a persistent climb through the ranks of international hockey. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, his potential was recognized early, leading to his selection by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2016 NHL draft (167th overall). He eventually signed his first NHL contract with the Detroit organization, spending significant time developing within their farm system in the American Hockey League (AHL) and ECHL, primarily representing the Grand Rapids Griffins and Toledo Walleye.
Before his professional turn, Larsson established himself as a premier prospect in the United States. He played junior hockey for the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he earned the distinction of being named the USHL Goaltender of the Year for the 2017–18 season. He further refined his skills in the college ranks with the University of Denver Pioneers of the NCHC.
His pursuit of the NHL continued into 2024 when he signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 29. However, that chapter ended on February 3, 2026, when his NHL contract was terminated. Larsson returned to Sweden almost immediately, signing with Leksands IF on February 4, 2026, before this latest move to Örebro.
Proven Performance in Sweden
Whereas his North American journey provided high-level exposure, Larsson has also built a sturdy reputation within the Swedish system. On the senior level, he has represented several clubs, including HV71, Kristianstads IF, and Almtuna, in addition to his recent time with Leksand.
His 2023–24 campaign with Leksands IF highlighted his capability in the SHL, where he posted a 1.93 Goals Against Average (GAA) and a .920 save percentage over 28 regular-season games, securing 19 wins. These numbers underscore the “high level” referenced by Örebro’s management.
To give a clearer picture of his physical presence in the crease, Larsson stands 188 cm (6’2″) and weighs 88 kg (194 lbs), providing a significant frame that helps him cover the net effectively.
Career Snapshot: Filip Larsson
| Metric/Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | August 17, 1998 |
| Birthplace | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Position | Goaltender (Catches Left) |
| Draft | 2016, 167th Overall (Detroit Red Wings) |
| Key Honor | USHL Goaltender of the Year (2017–18) |
| Current Contract | Örebro HK (Through 2027/28) |
What This Means for Örebro HK
The acquisition of Larsson is more than just a roster fill; It’s a statement of intent for the 2026/27 season. By bringing in a goaltender who has navigated the pressures of the NHL system and the rigor of the SHL, Örebro is adding a layer of stability and experience to their defensive unit.
For global fans following the Swedish league, Larsson’s move is a notable example of the “boomerang” effect, where Swedish talents venture to North America to test themselves against the world’s best before returning home to apply those lessons in their domestic league. His ability to adapt to different styles of play—from the collegiate game in Denver to the professional grind of the AHL and finally the technical nature of the SHL—makes him a versatile asset.
As Örebro begins building the rest of its squad for the next season, the focus now shifts to how the team will construct its defense to complement Larsson’s style. With a two-year commitment, the club has ensured that they have a reliable anchor in the crease for the foreseeable future.
Örebro HK will provide further updates regarding their 2026/27 roster acquisitions as the off-season progresses. Fans can follow official announcements via the Örebro Hockey official site.
Do you think Larsson is the missing piece for Örebro’s defense? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
