On August 13, 1994, Carl Filip Anton Forsberg, better known as Filip Forsberg, was born in Östervåla, Sweden. Forsberg was drafted by the Washington Capitals but has played every game in his professional career with the Nashville Predators Organization.
See All of Filip Forsberg’s Stats Here
In his youth, Forsberg played in Sweden with Leksands Idrottsförening (Leksands IF) from 2009 to 2013. He progressed in his development, playing for their junior teams in his first season, to breaking into their top team in the Allsvenskan League, the second-highest league in the country below the Swedish Hockey League, during his second season. In his third season with the club, Forsberg played a handful of games with the juniors but played most of his games in the Allsvenskan, where he played until the end of the 2013 season. Each season in the Allsvenskan, Forsberg progressed in his development and improved his numbers. In his final season, Forsberg played in 38 games, scoring 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points. He also played 9 games in the playoffs, scoring five goals and four assists for nine points, helping Leksands qualify to compete in the SHL the following season.
During this time, Forsberg represented his county in multiple events, two IIHF U18 Championships as well as the IIHF World Junior Championships. He won the silver in both his times competing in the U18 Championships, being named as the best forward in his 2011 appearance, and took home the gold in his first appearance at the World Juniors. All this earned him the title of the highest-rated European forward heading into his draft year.
At the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Forsberg was drafted 11th overall by the Washington Capitals. Later that summer at his first development camp with the Capitals, Forsberg signed a three-year entry-level contract. He returned to Leksands IF to continue his development for the upcoming 2012-13 season.
On April 3, 2013, the Washington Capitals traded Forsberg to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Martin Erat and Michael Latta. After the season was over in Sweden, Forsberg played in his first National Hockey League game on April 14, 2013, against the Detroit Red Wings, making him the third youngest player in Preds history to suit up for the club. He then notched his first career point on April 24th against the Calgary Flames.
Forsberg played the following season with the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) but has had a permanent spot on the Preds lineup since. In June 2016, Forsberg signed a six-year $36 million contract. He had a few quiet seasons but took off during his contract year. During that 2021-22 season, he became the second-highest-scoring Predator in franchise history, scoring 42 goals. He also notched 42 assists for 84 points in 69 games. Forsberg’s play earned him his third NHL contract that summer where he signed an eight-year $68 million contract. During the 2023-24 season, Forsberg reached and surpassed that scoring record, scoring 48 goals. He also had 46 assists for 94 points through 82 games. Throughout his 698 NHL games, Forsberg has 287 goals and 318 assists for 605 career points.
Forsberg represented his country a few more times at international competitions. He played in the 2013 and 2014 World Juniors, winning silver at both championships. He has also represented Sweden at the IIHF World Championships and won gold in 2018. He is slated to participate for Sweden the the NHL 4 Nation Faceoff in 2025.
Outside of hockey, Forsberg is a husband and a father. He is an avid soccer fan and a co-owner of Nashville SC. He is also part-owner of an Italian racing horse named Trilly of Nando.
Catch Forsberg as he continues his legacy with the Nashville Predator this season.
ITR 45: Everything Is Happening – Inside The Rink
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