The Vancouver Canucks have been expected to send prospect Jonathan Dahlen to the Swedish Hockey League this season, and today they confirmed it by announcing that Dahlen would be reassigned from the Utica Comets. The team still hasn’t confirmed which team he’ll play for, but it will be in the SHL, a step higher than where he played last season in the Swedish Allsvenskan.
Dahlen was acquired by the Canucks in the Alexandre Burrows trade at last year’s deadline, and signed to a three-year entry-level contract this summer. The young forward has outstanding skill with the puck, and found success in the Swedish second league to the tune of 44 points in 45 games. That earned him best junior-aged player, an award that had previously been given to players like Robin Kovacs, Filip Forsberg and William Karlsson.
The second-round pick of the Ottawa Senators has some work to do before making the NHL, but there is a clear development plan in place for him with the Canucks. At just 19 he’ll spend the year playing against professionals in Sweden, before likely battling for a roster spot next season.