Former Oiler Viktor Arvidsson excited for ‘better fit’ with Bruins

You might not realize it, but forward Viktor Arvidsson has quickly started to become a bit of a journeyman.

After rising to stardom with the Nashville Predators, the Swedish winger played three seasons with the Los Angeles Kings before signing a two-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers in July 2024.

Arvidsson provided a veteran presence as the Oilers made it back to the Stanley Cup Final for a second year in a row.  However, it wasn’t the most productive season of his career. In 67 games during the regular season, he scored 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points. Arvidsson played in only 15 postseason contests, notching two goals and seven points.

In an interview with Ronnie Rönnkvist of hockeysverige.se, Arvidsson admitted that the 2024-25 campaign was a disappointment.

“I won’t deny that,” Arvidsson said. “First and foremost, it was tough losing (in the finals). And then I also wanted to get more out of my game.”

The team and player agreed that a change of scenery was necessary, even with Arvidsson having one more year on his contract, which has a cap hit of $4 million.

“We looked around a bit on the market, and I agreed with Edmonton that the best thing for me was to find something new that would be a better fit. It ended with Boston being interested, and I think it’s going to be really fun.”

Arvidsson was traded to the Boston Bruins for a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. While this is the first time the winger will be playing for an Original Six team, he recognizes that there’s a lot to like about joining the retooling franchise in New England.

“Boston has always been a hardworking team. They’re strong defensively. It’s always been tough to come into that arena and play because Boston’s fans are very passionate. The whole city is a great sports town. That’s how I see it, and I want to come in there myself and add a little spice.”

Following one of his worst seasons, individually, of his NHL career, Arvidsson is hoping that he can find some success in his new digs under new head coach Marco Strum.

“Personally, I want to bounce back to the kind of seasons I had in L.A. and also in Nashville. That’s where I want to get back to and be able to contribute offensively with my game…Of course, we’re aiming for the playoffs—that’s what every team does at the start of the season.”

The Bruins went 33-39-10 and finished dead last in the Eastern Conference last season. It was the first time they missed the playoffs since back-to-back years in 2014-15 and 2015-16.