ECHL: Defenseman Anton Malmström Heads Overseas

Photo: Andrew Fielder | Inside the Rink

After two seasons in North America, defenseman Anton Malmström is heading back to his native Sweden, signing with IF Björklöven of HockeyAllsvenskan for the 2025-26 season.

Big Impact in Florida

Malmström made his mark with the Florida Everblades in 2024-25, suiting up in 31 regular-season games and producing six goals and nine assists for 15 points, with a +8 rating. His combination of size and mobility made him a reliable presence on the blue line and a dangerous option to jump into the rush.

When the postseason arrived, Malmström stepped up again. He appeared in all 15 playoff games, adding one goal and four assists for five points, while helping the Everblades make another deep playoff push.

AHL Experience

The 6’4”, 203-pound defenseman split his time between the ECHL and AHL over the past two seasons. In 2024-25, he played 10 games with the Springfield Thunderbirds, picking up one assist. The year prior, he saw 21 games of AHL action in Springfield, notching a goal and three assists. His stint with the Orlando Solar Bears in 2023-24 was short but productive—two assists in five games.

Collegiate Career at Bowling Green

Before turning pro, Malmström played three seasons at Bowling Green State University, serving as an alternate captain in his final year. Across 89 NCAA games, he tallied seven goals and six assists for 13 points, while earning a reputation as a tough, positionally sound defenseman who could handle top-pair matchups.

Return to Sweden

A native of Österhaninge, Sweden, Malmström came up through the Västerhaninge IF system before making the jump to North American hockey. His move to IF Björklöven puts him in a club known for contending in HockeyAllsvenskan and pushing for promotion to the SHL. His North American experience should give Björklöven a dependable, battle-tested presence on their blue line.


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Karen Zehner

Inside The Rink ECHL Manager | Senior Editor | Credentialed Beat Writer covering the ECHL Atlanta Gladiators. Diving into the world of slap shots, penalty kills, and the game we love. [@RunwithK] on socials.

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