Pending RFA Canucks defenceman Filip Johansson signs two-year deal in Sweden

“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been in contact with Hampus (Sjöström) for a while now, and I’m really excited,” Johansson told Rögle media. “It’s a good place to continue to develop and a good team that fights to win.”

The former Minnesota Wild first-round pick will return to his home country after just one season in North America, where he was a key all-situational defender for Abbotsford.

He recorded five goals and 18 points through 55 games, with an additional assist in six postseason games this spring.

As an RFA, Johansson can still be offered a contract in June, allowing the Canucks to retain his rights, should they be interested.

However, with names like Cole McWard (RFA), Jett Woo (RFA), Mark Friedman (UFA) and Noah Juulsen all contending for spots on the right side, he’s likely taken a good look at where he sits on the pecking order and is looking for a chance to secure a more prominent role.

Before crossing to North America, Johansson spent four seasons in the SHL, split between Leksands and Frölunda. He contributed 16 goals and 47 points across 183 matches.

Rögle, where Nils Höglander played out his three-year SHL career, recently reached the SHL finals, eventually losing to Skellefteå, Linus Karlsson’s former team, in five games.

Johansson joins as one of just two right-handed defencemen on the current roster.