Jakub Vrána Returns to Linköping HC: A Major Move for SHL Fans
Jakub Vrána signs with Linköping HC for the 2025/2026 SHL season, marking a significant return to Swedish hockey.
Key Points
- • Jakub Vrána has signed a two-year contract with Linköping HC.
- • He previously played for Linköping from 2011 to 2015 before entering the NHL.
- • Vrána expressed excitement about returning, calling Linköping his second home.
- • Linköping's management views Vrána as a key player with potential to lead the scoring league.
In a significant turn of events for Swedish hockey, Jakub Vrána has officially signed a two-year contract with Linköping HC (LHC) ahead of the 2025/2026 SHL season. The 29-year-old Czech forward returns to a club where he previously played from 2011 to 2015, before achieving success in the NHL, including winning a Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018.
Vrána expressed his excitement about the return, stating, "I have chosen with my heart," indicating a strong emotional connection to Linköping. In statements from the club, General Manager Peter Jakobsson described the signing as a "dream signing," highlighting Vrána's potential as a vital asset for the team. Jakobsson noted, "Vrána is a bonus forward for us" and reflected on the club's commitment to help him regain his peak performance after his time in the NHL, where he played over 400 games.
Vrána's journey back to Linköping was made possible through external financing, which alleviated some of the financial constraints commonly faced by hockey clubs, especially during off-seasons. This strategic acquisition is viewed as a pivotal moment for LHC as they seek to bolster their roster and improve on past performances within the SHL. Analysts are already highlighting the potential impact Vrána could have this season, with Jonathan Knektas touting him as a contender for leading the league in scoring.
As the new season nears, teams in the SHL, including Linköping, are ramping up their training. The anticipation surrounding Vrána's return adds an intriguing storyline to the upcoming fixtures and heightens expectations for both the player and the club. With the first training matches set to commence shortly, fans eagerly await to see how this significant signing will influence LHC's performance in the competitive landscape of Swedish hockey.