Eskild Bakke Olsen has left Linköping HC for the NHL after signing a rookie contract with the Ottawa Senators. The departure leaves the Swedish club without all four of its regular centers from last season.
The move came in the final hours before the NHL transfer window closed for players with active SHL contracts. Bakke Olsen had been signed with Linköping HC through 2028.
Sport director Broc Little said the NHL interest was expected. "We had of course liked to have Eskild with us, but now it is what it is. We are working hard to find the right replacement," he told Corren.
Linköping HC must now recruit two new centers. Little said the club is already reviewing options and hopes to complete deals in July. "There is no reason to press the panic button," he added.
