San Jose Sharks first-round draft pick to join AHL affiliate
SAN JOSE — Filip Bystedt is joining the San Jose Sharks’ AHL affiliate, giving the organization a chance to see what its 2022 first-round draft pick looks like on North American-sized ice — and the 6-foot-4 centerman an opportunity to better familiarize himself with his new home.
The Sharks announced Monday that the 20-year-old Bystedt has been assigned to the San Jose Barracuda after he spent this season with Linkoping HC of the Swedish Hockey League. Linkoping’s season ended last week, clearing the way for Bystedt to come to the U.S.
Bystedt was expected to join the Barracuda later Monday, but it is unclear when he’ll play in his first AHL game. The team next plays Wednesday in San Diego, followed by games at Coachella Valley and Ontario on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
“It’s valuable anytime you get a chance to come over here at the end of the year and play hockey when you’re coming from Europe,” Sharks coach David Quinn said. “There’s an awful lot to it — not just the hockey aspect of it — but the familiarity. So when training camp starts next year, he’s not wondering, ‘Where do I go’ and ‘Who’s who?’ That all matters.
“I know it may not strike people as being part of the adjustment process, but it really is. The familiarity not only on the ice but away from the rink, his month plus here will go a long way for next year and him being comfortable when he gets here.”
Bystedt, chosen 27th overall in 2022, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Sharks on July 12, 2023. He was eligible to play for the Barracuda all season, but general manager Mike Grier said in August that the organization felt Bystedt’s development would be best served by remaining in Sweden.
Unless Bystedt plays 10 NHL games this season, which he will not, his contract will slide until next season and he’ll still have three years left on the deal.
William Eklund, who also spent most of his 19-year-old year in his native Sweden, said the experience Bystedt will gain now should help in the long run.
“He’s going to be good down in the middle,” Eklund said of Bystedt, “and I feel like he’s going to be even better on the small surface because he can use his body even more.
“He’ll obviously use his big frame to be able to play around the net. I feel like he’s a good puck handler. If he can keep playing like that and always be a threat around the net, he’s going to be a really good player.”
Bystedt, 20, had 17 points in 47 games for Linkoping and in four SHL playoff games, had one goal and one assist). For the season, he ranked seventh among under-20 skaters in the SHL points and was sixth in goals.
Bystedt helped Sweden win a silver medal at the 2024 World Juniors, as he had three goals and one assist in seven games.
“He’s very impressive,” Quinn said of Bystedt, who attended the team’s development camp last summer. “He’s got the size, he’s got the poise. There’s a lot to like about him.”
In 2022-23, Bystedt was named the SHL’s Rookie of the Year after finishing third among under-20 skaters in points, behind Leo Carlsson (Anaheim Ducks) and Marco Kasper (Detroit Red Wings prospect).
Bystedt will be the first player from the Sharks’ 2022 draft class, which also includes forward Cameron Lund (Northeastern), and defensemen Mattias Havelid (Linkoping) and Jake Furlong (Halifax) to play in a North American professional game.
There is a chance for Furlong to also join the Barracuda if Halifax loses its first-round QMJHL playoff series against Acadie-Bathurst. Halifax is down 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.