The Florida Panthers officially announced the signing of Swedish defenseman Linus Hultström to a contract. Reports of the pair agreeing to terms have been making the rounds since late March.
NEWS: The #FlaPanthers have signed Defenseman Linus Hultström.— Florida Panthers PR (@FlaPanthersPR) May 3, 2016
Hultström put up 31 points (12G/19A) while playing in all 52 games for Djurgardens IF of the Swedish Hockey League this season, tying him for the league-lead among defensemen. he also posted a plus-17 rating.
The 23-year-old upped his offensive game in the playoffs, scoring 12 points in 8 games before seventh-place Djurgardens IF was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Frolunda HC.
In 136 SHL games, the 5’11” defender collected a total of 66 points on 23 goals and 43 assists.
It is likely Hultström will need some time with the Portland Pirates in the AHL to hone the defensive side of his game and get acclimated to the North American style of play.