Former Maple Leafs forward Calle Jarnkrok leaves NHL club, returns to Sweden after four-year Toronto run

Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Calle Jarnkrok is leaving the NHL and returning to Sweden after signing a three-year contract with Brynas IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). This will end his four year contract with the Toronto. Earlier, the player signed an $8.4 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022, which carried an average annual value of $2.1 million. According to reports, his most successful NHL season came during his first year with the Maple Leafs in 2022-23. The 34-year-old scored 20 goals on the campaign and grabbed 39 total points.Calle Jarnkrok departs the NHL after his $8.4 million deal ends and returns to Sweden to play in the Swedish Hockey LeagueFormer Toronto Maple Leafs forward Calle Jarnkrok has decided to depart from the NHL, and the forward is reportedly planning to join the Swedish Hockey League. Reports suggest that he has already signed a three-year contract with Brynas IF of the Swedish Hockey League.His most successful NHL season came during his first year with the Maple Leafs in 2022-23. The Swedish player scored 20 goals on the campaign and grabbed 39 total points. In the NHL, he has recorded 75 points in 200 games with the club. Earlier, he has played with multiple teams such as the Nashville Predators, Seattle Kraken, and Calgary Flames.In fact, The Athletic's Chris Johnston had previously ranked him 72nd among this summer's unrestricted free agents and suggested that the veteran forward could be looking for a change of scenery after a difficult season.After his contract expired, the Swedish player decided that instead of signing another NHL contract, he opted to return to the club where his professional career began.He expressed excitement about rejoining Brynäs and being back in front of the team's supporters. “I am very happy to be back in Brynäs IF, and it feels fantastic that it is now complete,” Järnkrok said. The forward further added he is looking forward to meeting his new teammates and playing in front of the Brynäs fans again.Meanwhile, Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka has added forwards like Jack Roslovic, Teddy Blueger, Colton Sissons, and Brandon Duhaime. He also traded for veteran Nick Paul and selected Gavin McKenna with the first overall draft pick. According to Daily Faceoff’s projections, Paul, Sissons, and Duhaime are expected to be the new Toronto Maple Leafs fourth line.Järnkrok leaves Toronto with more than $22 million in NHL career earnings and a reputation as a versatile two-way forward capable of playing both center and wing and contributing on special teams. His return to Brynäs marks a new chapter for the Swedish veteran, while the Maple Leafs move forward with a revamped roster aimed at recovering from one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.