The Blues have announced the signing of right-wing prospect Simon Robertsson to a three-year, entry-level contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.
A third-round pick by the Blues in 2021, Robertsson has spent the entirety of his post-draft career under contract with Skellefteå AIK of the Swedish Hockey League. He hasn’t landed a full-time spot in the lineup, though, and has been routinely loaned out to lower-level clubs.
2022-23 was a particularly tumultuous season for him, suiting up for clubs in the SHL, the second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan, the third-tier HockeyEttan, and Sweden’s top junior league, the J20 Nationell. He did manage decent production in limited action with Skellefteå, scoring five goals and seven points in 16 regular-season games before adding a goal in eight playoff games.
Robertsson, 21, earned more stability and SHL minutes this year, making 42 total appearances with Skellefteå compared to 15 with Brynäs IF of the HockeyAllsvenskan. The sharp-shooting winger had two goals and four points in 27 regular-season games for Skellefteå and was a bottom-six regular by the time the playoffs rolled around, posting a goal and an assist in 15 games as they took home the league championship earlier this week.
Few expected Robertsson to be available when the Blues selected 71st overall. Numerous public rankings, including TSN’s Bob McKenzie’s polling of NHL scouts, graded Robertsson as a likely late first-round or early second-round pick.
The 6’0″ winger won’t be in consideration for an NHL roster spot yet, but signing his ELC means he could come to North America and suit up for AHL Springfield next season. He’ll be waiver-exempt for his first three seasons under contract or his first 80 NHL games, whichever comes first, and will become a restricted free agent when his contract expires in 2027.