San Jose Sharks fans will have to wait longer to see their 2022 first-round pick in San Jose. Filip Bystedt was loaned back to Linköping HC of the Swedish Hockey League for the 2023-24 season. Bystedt played last season mainly as the third-line center with Linköping and scored 7 goals and 13 assists in 45 games on his way to being named SHL Rookie of the Year. This season, Bystedt is expected to have a top-six role and has already been the top-line pivot in the preseason.
The 6’4″ Swede was drafted 27th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2022 NHL Draft after the Sharks traded down from 11th overall with the Arizona Coyotes. The Sharks also received picks 34 and 45, where they selected Cam Lund and Bystedt’s teammate Mattias Hävelid, respectively. The Coyotes used the 11th pick to draft Conor Geekie.
After signing his entry-level contract this summer, Filip Bystedt was a possibility to play games in North America, presumably with the San Jose Barracuda. Still, Mike Grier and the Sharks feel that one more season on the SHL is best for his development. Bystedt is all but a lock to play on Team Sweden for the World Junior Championship this December.
Following the SHL season, Bystedt is expected to join the San Jose Barracuda for the end of the season and a potential playoff run. If Bystedt doesn’t play more than 9 NHL games this year, his ELC will slide into the next season and start in the 2024-25 season.
