Any chance of Oscar Fantenberg returning to the NHL has likely disappeared. The veteran defenseman has signed a four-year contract with Linkoping HC in the SHL, taking him through the 2025-26 season.
Fantenberg, 30, played the last two seasons in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg and competed for Sweden at this year’s Olympics. Undrafted, he found some sustained success in North America a few years ago, playing 124 games with the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks, even reaching the Conference Finals in the 2020 bubble playoffs.
Now signed for four years back home, Fantenberg will likely complete his hockey-playing circle back in Sweden after suiting up all over the world. Hopefully, his return will be as successful as his last year before leaving. In 2016, he helped Frolunda to an SHL title, a Champions League title, and participated in the World Championship for his country. He’ll return seeking some of the same accomplishments, this time with a different club.