Swedish national team defenseman Klas Dahlbeck, 34, is reportedly joining Malmö Redhawks in the SHL next season after ending his stint abroad. The move follows his family's relocation near Malmö and speculation about a return to Skåne.
Klas Dahlbeck, a 34-year-old NHL-merited defenseman, is preparing to leave HC Davos after his fourth season there, which will be his last abroad. He has played overseas since 2012 and has been a regular with Tre Kronor, including at the 2021 World Championship.
According to reports from Sportbladet, Dahlbeck is set to sign with Malmö Redhawks for the upcoming season. Earlier speculation pointed to a possible move to either Malmö or rival Rögle BK, but sources indicate Malmö has secured the experienced blueliner. His family plans to settle in Ljunghusen, just south of Malmö, after building a house there.
In an interview with Sportbladet, Dahlbeck confirmed his return to Sweden and the SHL post-season. "I have a fantastic wife who carries a heavy load for us and we have been abroad for a full 14 years and now we have three children aged two to seven years," he said. "I told Davos already last season that I'm moving home this spring and we have planned this for a while and I'm really glad we got this start to the season in Davos so we have a chance to win something in my last year there." He added, "There are many reasons for it (the upcoming move). The children are one reason and then I have worked abroad for 14 years. It's my entire adult life and I've started to long for something else too."
Dahlbeck's current teammate and former Malmö player Calle Andersson expressed his preference for the destination. "If he doesn't choose Malmö, I'm ending our friendship," Andersson told Sportbladet.