First-round pick Marcus Johansson leaves the NHL

A surprising roster move has emerged in the NHL as veteran forward Marcus Johansson is set to leave North America and return to Sweden.

The pending unrestricted free agent has signed a contract to rejoin Färjestad BK in the Swedish Hockey League, marking a major shift after what was a strong and productive season with the Minnesota Wild.

The 35-year-old veteran delivered one of his most effective campaigns in recent years, recording 49 points (15 goals and 34 assists) along with a +18 rating across 75 games. It was his highest offensive output since the 2016–17 season, showing he remained a reliable contributor in a middle-six NHL role.

Throughout the year, Johansson played a steady two-way game for Minnesota, often used on the second line and in versatile forward deployments. His ability to generate offense while maintaining responsible defensive play made him a valuable depth piece on a competitive Wild roster.

Despite that strong season, Johansson’s one-year deal with Minnesota, carrying an $800,000 cap hit, has now come to an end, making him an unrestricted free agent heading into the summer. Rather than pursuing another NHL contract, Johansson has opted for a return to Sweden, where he will rejoin Färjestad, the club where he previously developed before making the jump to the NHL.

The decision comes as a notable twist given his recent form, with many expecting him to at least test the market after proving he could still contribute at a high level.

Instead, Johansson becomes another example of a veteran NHL player choosing a return to Europe later in his career, prioritizing a different chapter over extending his time in North America.