Former Capitals F Larsson Reportedly Signs In Sweden; Reason Why?

After closing out the 2021-22 campaign with the Washington Capitals, Johan Larsson is reportedly headed back home to Sweden.

Per Elite Prospects, Larsson has inked a three-year deal with the Swedish Hockey League’s Brynäs IF. This deal has not been announced or finalized yet. However, it would mean that the 30-year-old’s NHL tenure would end for the time being.

The Capitals brought in Larsson at the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline to help fill Carl Hagelin’s void on the fourth line. He played in that role well, complementing Nic Dowd and Garnet Hathaway while remaining aggressive on the forecheck. He dished a goal and five assists in 14 games to close out the regular season. Larsson also made his NHL playoff debut against the Florida Panthers and had two assists in six games.

However, Washington didn’t bring back the UFA, who hit the market to explore his options. There was one report that he would sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins, though nothing happened on that front.

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Per PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan, Larsson reportedly had other offers but wasn’t happy with the role he would play, which led to his decision to leave.

“I’m told that Larsson had substantial offers from several NHL teams,” Morgan wrote. “He just wanted to play a bigger role than what was being offered, so he is going home.”

Further to this, I'm told that Johan Larsson had substantial offers from several NHL teams. He just wanted to play a bigger role than what was being offered so he is going home. https://t.co/6f6qv1zvAi

— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) August 10, 2022

Prior to his trade to the Capitals, Larsson played in 29 games for Arizona, collecting 15 points. However, his season was put on hold due to sports hernia surgery in early February. He returned in late March.