Oh ah Silfverberg, say oh ah Silfverberg. After 12 seasons in the NHL, Jakob Silfverberg announced his retirement from the NHL and returned to his native Sweden this past season, where he had quite the year. In his return to his boyhood club, the former Anaheim Duck led Brynäs in both goals scored (23) and points (47). He was also fourth in the SHL in both goals and points.
Brynäs finished top of the league in their return to the SHL after being promoted from the HockeyAllsvenskan, their first time outside of the top flight in over 50 years. After taking down Malmö in the quarter-final and making quick work of Skellefteå in the semi-final, they came within two games of winning the SHL Championship in their first year back.
With the series tied at two apiece, Luleå overwhelmed Brynäs with the duo of Pontus Andreasson and Brian O’Neill up front and Frédéric Allard on the backend. Silfverberg had 13 points in 17 playoff games, including two goals in the finals, but it wasn’t enough.
Ducks’ Silfverberg can be proud of impression he’s leftJakob Silfverberg concludes his 12-year NHL career tonight against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Despite the loss in the finals, Silfverberg’s performance in his return to the SHL was recognized, as he won the SHL regular season MVP, Swedish Gentleman of the Year (Rinkens Riddare) and Årets schysstaste spelare, the SHL’s version of the Lady Byng Trophy, which is voted for by players in the SHL. Silfverberg finished the regular season with zero penalty minutes, an impressive feat.
“I am extremely grateful that I get to coach such a humble and nice player as Jakob Silfverberg,” Brynäs head coach Niklas Gällstedt said in a team statement (translated from Swedish).
His first season back in the SHL is almost everything Silfverberg could have asked for. He probably would say he wished that they could have won the league title to top it all off, but it was as perfect a return as it could have been otherwise. Silfverberg was presented with his SHL MVP and schysstaste spelare award by his parents, Christina and Jan-Erik, and was able to celebrate with his wife, Clara, and their two kids.
Silfverberg will play for Brynäs again in 2025-26 after originally signing a two-year deal following the 2023-24 season. He will play alongside Ducks prospect Lucas Petterson, who joins from MoDo. Former Brynäs star Nicklas Bäckström is also rumored to be returning to the team where he began his pro career, much like Silfverberg. Bäckström’s contract with the Washington Capitals expires this summer, and while he hasn’t played in a game in almost two years, a return home would be an appropriate way to conclude his playing career.
Ducks Prospect Swaps Swedish ClubsLucas Pettersson, a 2024 draft pick by the Ducks, has signed a two-year contract with Brynäs IF in the SHL.
“I think (Petterson is) in a good spot (in Brynäs),” Ducks assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting Martin Madden said. “He’s going to be well surrounded by Silfverberg for sure.”
“I’ve even said it from day one when we moved over,” Silfverberg said in April 2024. “We had a really special year my last year (with Brynäs). We ended up winning the championship with a fairly young team, a lot of guys that I played against in the NHL here and stayed in close touch with. I even said 12 years ago that before I get too old and too slow, I’d like to come back and make a strong push and do this again.”
Featured image caption: Apr 18, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) celebrates with team mates after the Ducks defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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