SAN JOSE — Center Filip Bystedt, the San Jose Sharks’ 2022 first-round draft pick, has been assigned to the team’s AHL affiliate after spending this season with Linkoping HC of the Swedish Hockey League.
Linkoping’s season ended last week, clearing the way for Bystedt to come to North America and join the San Jose Barracuda.
The 6-foot-4, 198-pound Bystedt will likely join the Barracuda later Monday, but it is unclear when he’ll play in his first AHL game. The team next plays Wednesday in San Diego, followed by games at Coachella Valley and Ontario on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
Bystedt, chosen 27th overall in 2022, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Sharks on July 12, 2023. He was eligible to play for the Barracuda all season, but general manager Mike Grier said in August that the organization felt Bystedt’s development would be best served by remaining in Sweden.
Unless Bystedt plays 10 NHL games this season, which he will not, his contract will slide until next season and he’ll still have three years left.
Bystedt, 20, had 17 points in 47 games for Linkoping and in four SHL playoff games, had one goal and one assist). For the season, he ranked seventh among under-20 skaters in the SHL points and was sixth in goals.
Bystedt helped Sweden win a silver medal finish at the 2024 World Junior after scoring four points (three goals, one assist) in seven games.
In 2022-23, Bystedt was named the SHL’s Rookie of the Year after finishing third among U-20 skaters in points, behind Leo Carlsson (Anaheim Ducks) and Marco Kasper (Detroit Red Wings prospect).
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