The Tampa Bay Lightning have added another undrafted talent, signing Simon Ryfors to a one-year, entry-level contract. The deal will kick in for the 2021-22 season and will leave Ryfors as a restricted free agent next summer.
In a season that has been so difficult for young players around the world, Ryfors experienced a breakout, scoring 25 goals and 45 points in 51 games for Rogle in the SHL. The 23-year-old had never scored more than six goals in a season previously, but managed to lead the entire league this time around. The actual goal scoring dried up a bit in the playoffs, but Ryfors still had 10 points in 14 games as Rogle lost in the finals.
The Lightning continue to add undrafted skill players through free agency, hoping their development system will be able to turn them into NHL talents before long. In Ryfors case specifically, they weren’t the only team interested. Corey Pronman of The Athletic ranked him as his fourth-best free agent among collegiate and European skaters, noting that though he doesn’t have top-end speed, makes up for it with his compete level.