The Red Wings have announced today that they have signed winger Pontus Andreasson to a one-year contract.
Andreasson, 23, is an undrafted player who has spent his entire career playing in his native Sweden. He has worked his way up the ranks of Swedish hockey over the past few years. In 2018-19, Andreasson had 38 points in 38 games for Hanhals IF of HockeyEttan, the third tier of Swedish hockey. From 2019-20 to 2020-21, Andreasson played for IF Bjorkloven in the second tier of Swedish Hockey, Allsvenskan, where he remained productive, posting a combined 52 points in 103 games. Andreasson then moved to the top-tier Swedish Hockey League level, where he was second in points among rookies with 38 in 52 games for Lulea HF. He starred in Lulea’s run to the SHL playoff finals, scoring eight goals and 13 points in 13 games. It’s off the back of this impressive playoff performance that Andreasson lands his first contract with an NHL club.
For Detroit, signing Andreasson means they add a developed but still-young player to their growing stable of impressive young talent from Andreasson’s country. Swedish import and top prospect Simon Edvinsson recently signed his entry-level deal, and Swedish rookie Lucas Raymond is already a star on the roster.
Regardless of if Andreasson is ultimately successful in North America or not, his signing in Detroit represents an impressive achievement for an undrafted player who has climbed the professional hockey ladder in his home country.
Looks like Pontus has a very good upside! Centers are coming this summer!
I can get excited if, at age 23, he makes the team out of camp. Even if he goes to GRG for a few weeks, I can go with that too. If they leave hin in Sweden, then he over-matures.