Ex-Vancouver Canucks Defenseman Suddenly Ends NHL Career At Just 29 Years Old
Photo credit: Bob Frid - USA TODAY Sports
A former Vancouver Canucks defenseman has decided to leave North America this summer after putting pen-to-paper on a multi-year deal in the Swedish Hockey League.
At this time of year, with the season over for the majority of teams, players are beginning to make preparations as to where they might be suiting up for the 2025-26 season and potentially beyond.
Last week we saw former Canucks forward David Booth sign a contract with the Melbourne Ice of the Australian Ice Hockey League and now, an ex-Vancouver defenseman has decided to take his talents overseas to Europe.
Former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Mark Friedman signs in Sweden
After spending his entire professional hockey career in North America, which began nine years ago, former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Mark Friedman has decided it's time for a new challenge.
On Thursday, Swedish Hockey League team Rogle BK announced that they've agreed to terms on a two-year contract with Mark Friedman. Financial details were not disclosed.
Note: the quotes in this story were translated from Swedish
"Intense two-way defender who will contribute offensively with his mobility and defensively with his physique.
Solid in his contact play and possesses a strong character that will add a lot of color to the group.
A guy who competes hard in training and matches. We are happy to welcome Mark to us." Rogle BK Sports Director Hampus Sjostrom said.
"Intense two-way defender who will contribute offensively with his mobility and defensively with his physique.
Solid in his contact play and possesses a strong character that will add a lot of color to the group.
A guy who competes hard in training and matches. We are happy to welcome Mark to us." Rogle BK Sports Director Hampus Sjostrom said.
Friedman, 29, joined the Vancouver Canucks through a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins back in November 2023 and he went on to make 28 appearances at the NHL level for the club, putting up one assist, 31 penalty minutes and had an even-rating.
After parts of two seasons in Vancouver, Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin decided it was time to move on from Friedman given the logjam on the blue line in Abbotsford and dealt him to the Nashville Predators.
"I'm really looking forward to moving to Sweden and playing for Rogle. It feels like a perfect time in life to take this step. You always want to go to the team that shows the most interest, which Rogle did." Friedman said.
Friedman and Rogle BK are set to begin their 2025-26 campaign on Saturday, September 13th at 3 am PT (12 pm local) against Farjestad BK.
Source: Rogle BK
NHL-qualified defenseman joins Rogle BK
NHL-qualified defenseman joins Rogle BK
| POLL | ||
JUIN 5 | 1356 ANSWERS Ex-Vancouver Canucks Defenseman Suddenly Ends NHL Career At Just 29 Years Old Do you think Mark Friedman will return to North America following the 2026-27 season? | ||
| Yes | 246 | 18.1 % |
| No | 1110 | 81.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
