Viktor Lodin’s first stint in North America came and went with little fanfare. However, now that he’s having a strong season back home in Sweden, a return could be back on the radar. Aftonbladet’s Tomas Ros and Hans Abrahamsson report (subscription link) that there are multiple NHL teams (including the Blues and Red Wings) believed to be scouting the forward and that Lodin could look to take another crack at the NHL next season.
The 25-year-old was a fourth-round pick by Ottawa back in 2019, going 94th overall. After spending the first season of his entry-level deal with SHL Timra, Lodin came to North America late in the year, getting into one appearance with the big club and ten more with AHL Belleville where he impressed with eight points. That seemed to position himself to push for an NHL roster spot for 2022-23.
That didn’t happen, however. Lodin was limited to just 28 games with Belleville that year and while he held his own with 15 points in those outings, the Senators elected to walk away at the end of the season, non-tendering him instead of issuing a qualifying offer.
Lodin returned to Sweden last season, spending the year with IK Oskarshamn where he fared well with 11 goals and 20 assists in 40 games. However, that team was relegated for this season so Lodin moved on to Farjestad for this year and his production has improved. Through 31 outings in 2024-25, he has 12 goals and 21 assists, good for a tie for second in SHL scoring.
Because Lodin already had his entry-level contract, there are no more restrictions on what type of deal he can sign. With the year he’s having, it’s possible that he could command a strong two-way deal or even a one-way pact which makes him someone to keep an eye on when the international transfer window opens up in the spring. If Lodin doesn’t get an offer to his liking, he can fall back on the security of his current deal with Farjestad, one that runs through the 2028-29 season.
I’d think Canucks’ Allvin is also keenly interested in…