The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a strategic addition to their roster by signing goaltender Filip Larsson to a two-year contract. This move comes as the Penguins aim to bolster their options between the posts, securing the services of the Swede with an eye on enhancing their goaltending depth. The terms of the contract reveal a salary cap hit of $775,000, making this acquisition a potentially high-reward move for the Penguins, given Larsson's promising track record in Europe.
Tracking Larsson’s Journey
Filip Larsson, at the age of 25, has carved a formidable path through the hockey leagues, culminating in a season with Leksands IF in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for the 2023-24 season. During his time in the SHL, Larsson appeared in 28 games and showcased impressive skills that caught the attention of scouts worldwide. His record of 19 wins, 9 losses, and no ties, complemented by a goals-against average of 1.93 and a save percentage of .920, speaks to his ability to perform under pressure. Furthermore, Larsson led the league with five shutouts, further underscoring his caliber as a top-tier goaltender.
Before his success in the SHL, Larsson honed his skills in Sweden's second-tier league, the Allsvenskan, over three seasons, playing for three different teams. It's clear that his journey through the ranks of Swedish hockey has been instrumental in his development, laying a solid foundation for his transition to the NHL.
Larsson’s North American Foray
Larsson is no stranger to North American ice, having been drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the sixth round in 2016. However, his time in North America was limited, primarily to the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season. During that season, Larsson split his time between the Red Wings' AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, and their ECHL affiliate, the Toledo Walleye.
In the AHL with Grand Rapids, Larsson appeared in seven games, posting a record of 2 wins and 5 losses, with a goals-against average of 4.01 and a save percentage of .843. His ECHL stint with the Toledo Walleye saw him in 10 games, where he recorded 4 wins and 6 losses, a goals-against average of 2.72, and a save percentage of .910. Despite showing promise, the Red Wings did not extend a qualifying offer to Larsson after the 2021-22 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
NCAA Credentials
Prior to his professional career, Larsson showcased his goaltending prowess at the collegiate level, playing for the University of Denver during the 2018-19 season. His time in the NCAA provided him with a foundational experience in highly competitive hockey, contributing to his development and readiness for professional play.
Future Prospect for the Penguins
The Penguins' decision to sign Filip Larsson could be considered a strategic move to shore up their goaltending depth. Larsson’s European and minor league experiences paint the picture of a goaltender with significant promise and upside. His relatively brief stint in North America, marked by both challenges and learning experiences, could prove invaluable as he transitions back into the North American style of play, this time under the banner of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
As the Penguins look toward the future, Larsson represents a potentially valuable asset. His prior performance in the SHL suggests that he has the ability to compete at a high level, and his leadership in shutouts indicates a knack for performing in critical moments. With the coming seasons, the Penguins and their fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how Larsson's skills translate to the NHL and whether his European success can be replicated on North American ice.
Larsson’s journey from the draft, through various leagues, to signing with the Penguins is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. As he prepares for the next chapter of his career in Pittsburgh, both the player and the team have reasons to be optimistic about the possibilities ahead. Larsson's blend of international experience and youthful ambition could very well make him an integral part of the Penguins' quest for future success.