Djurgården's captain Marcus Krüger will skip the SHL home match against Frölunda on Saturday to attend the Chicago Blackhawks' 100-year NHL anniversary event honoring former Stanley Cup winners. The 35-year-old, a two-time champion with Chicago, called it a significant family occasion despite the timing conflict. The team faces additional challenges with injuries as they aim to end a home losing streak.
Djurgården is set to host league-leading Frölunda at Hovet on Saturday, but the team will be without its captain, Marcus Krüger. The 35-year-old forward is one of 25 invited former Chicago Blackhawks players to a special ceremony marking the franchise's 100 years in the NHL. The event, held at United Center before the Blackhawks' game against Boston, will honor stars from the team's successful 2010s era, including Krüger, who won Stanley Cups in 2013 and 2015 and appeared in seven playoffs with the club.
Krüger expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting its importance to his family. "Stor grej för familjen och mig och för alla vi som var där, så otroligt tacksam att få chansen att åka," he told Hockeynews. He plans to reunite with teammates like Marian Hossa, Johnny Oduya, Viktor Stålberg, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook, with activities focused on camaraderie and a possible Q&A panel. His son Elton, who turned five recently, will attend for the first time, adding emotional weight. Krüger discussed the decision with Djurgården's leadership, who approved it despite the clash.
The absence compounds Djurgården's issues after a 1-4 home loss to Växjö on Wednesday, following a 3-1 road win over Färjestad. That defeat marked their fourth or fifth straight home loss, with Krüger highlighting second-period struggles: "Andraperioderna har vi förlorat matcherna i och det har gjort att vi har fått jaga." Coach Robert Kimby views it positively for others: "Det är en match så får någon annan kliva upp."
Further absences include injured back Oliver Kylington and forward Charles Hudon, plus center Oula Palve, who is day-to-day after missing the Växjö game. On a brighter note, JVM gold medalists Viggo Björck, Victor Eklund, and Anton Frondell have returned, their line with Krüger key in the Färjestad victory.
