Former NHL forward returns to action after a four-season break - signed a contract in Sweden

Swedish forward Jacob Josefson, 34, returns to the ice this season after being out for four seasons.

SHL team Djurgården has signed a one-year contract with Josefson.

Josefson played his last game in January 2021, precisely with Djurgården. He announced that he would end his playing career in August 2022 due to concussions. Josefson trained with Djurgården over the summer with the goal of returning to hockey, and now that goal is becoming a reality.

– This is incredibly rewarding for both Djurgården and Jacob! His effort to return to hockey has succeeded, and the entire Djurgården family will get to see a great athlete given a second chance, commented Djurgården’s sports director Niklas Wikegård in the club’s press release.

Josefson played for Djurgården from 2018 to 2021 before stepping away. After his retirement decision, he worked with the club for two seasons as an advisor and one season in the role of assistant GM.

From 2010 to 2018, Josefson played in the NHL. He played 315 regular season games (20+44=64) and six playoff games (0+1) representing the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres. Josefson is the Devils’ first-round 20th overall pick from 2009.