Islanders’ Marcus Hogberg Signs Three-Year Deal with Linköping HC in SHL

Goaltender Marcus Hogberg, a pending unrestricted free agent for the New York Islanders, has officially returned to Sweden, signing a three-year contract with Linköping HC of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). This marks Hogberg’s third stint with Linköping, where he began his professional career and played three seasons before making another attempt at the NHL with the Islanders.

During his time with the Islanders, Hogberg served primarily as the backup to Ilya Sorokin after Semyon Varlamov’s injury. He played the majority of his two seasons with Bridgeport, posting a record of 12-13-6, a 2.92 goals-against average (GAA), and an .898 save percentage (SV%) in 31 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he started both games, stopping 32 of 35 shots, though Bridgeport was unable to secure a victory.

The Islanders had signed Hogberg on May 7, 2023, to bolster their goaltending depth, despite the fact that he hadn’t played in the NHL since the 2020-21 season. His previous experience in the NHL included three seasons with the Ottawa Senators, where he was drafted in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft. In 42 games with Ottawa, Hogberg recorded a 3.39 GAA and an .894 SV%.

Although he struggled to make the Islanders’ roster out of training camp, his performance when called up was impressive. In four appearances this season, he saved 76 of 80 shots, achieving a remarkable .950 SV% and a 1.56 GAA. His statistics during this brief stint were the best in franchise history for any goaltender who played multiple games.

Hogberg’s decision to return to Sweden at the age of 26 stems from a deeply personal journey. He shared that the passing of his father, Peter, who battled a brain tumor, significantly impacted his mental state and performance on the ice. Hogberg recounted how he prioritized family during his father’s illness, which ultimately shaped his decision to step away from the NHL and focus on healing.

“To lose my dad was really, really hard, and I was not myself,” Hogberg reflected. “So, we decided as a family to go back home, and I just tried to find myself again, not just on the ice but off the ice.”

As he embarks on this new chapter with Linköping HC, Hogberg carries the memory of his father with him, even wearing his name on his helmet. He expressed gratitude for the Islanders’ support during his time with the organization, stating that they were the only team that reached out to him after he left Ottawa.

Hogberg’s upcoming game against the Senators will be a poignant moment, as he faces the team that drafted him. “It’s fun. I’m just going to try to enjoy the moment, be ready, and just have some fun,” he said, looking forward to reconnecting with former teammates. With a renewed sense of purpose and the backing of his family, Hogberg is ready to make his mark in the SHL once again.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.