Report: Two Canadian teams “in hard” trying to sign Swedish star Joakim Nygard

According to a report from NHL insider Darren Dreger of TSN, several NHL teams are preparing free agent offers for Swedish Hockey League superstar Joakim Nygard. 

The 26 year old winger scored 21 goals and 35 points in 52 games for Farjestads of the SHL, placing second in league scoring. Dreger reports that Nygard has attracted interest from several NHL teams for months now, but that two Canadian teams specifically are “in hard” to land his services. Those teams, the Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames, couldn’t be any more different. The Flames are currently atop the Western Conference and head into the playoffs as Stanley Cup contenders, whereas the Ottawa Senators sit in the basement of the league. 

Scouts compare Nygard to speedster Carl Hagelin, currently of the Washington Capitals.  Dreger goes on to say that Nygard can “flat out fly” and that at 26 years old he had all the physical and technical tools needed to play in the NHL.

Interestingly enough, because of his age and his free agent status, the battle to sign Nygard won’t come down to money. His salary will be capped and he can only sign a one year deal, so it’ll be interesting to see which team can woo him over to North America. 

It's also worth noting that Nygard has had a ton of success this season playing alongside Boston Bruins prospect Oskar Steen. Could there be some interest in Nygard from the B's?

One thing’s for sure though, he’ll be in the NHL next season.