Djurgården has added forward Noel Gunler as its fifth new player for the upcoming SHL season. The 24-year-old right-shot signed a contract through 2028 after spending the past two seasons in the Carolina Hurricanes organization.
Gunler, who was raised in Luleå and previously played in the SHL for Luleå and Brynäs, returns to Sweden after reaching the AHL playoffs final with Chicago Wolves last week. In the regular season he recorded 35 points in 71 games, his best AHL output to date.
Sportchef Marcus Due-Boje said the club was attracted by Gunler’s steady development in North America and expects him to continue progressing in Stockholm. Gunler added that he is excited to play before full stands and feels the move is a good fit from the start.
The signing positions Gunler as a replacement for Victor Eklund, according to analyst Nichlas Falk. He is expected to contribute reliably and take a role on one of the power-play units.