Calle Jarnkrok refusing to leave the NHL after false rumors sets up pure payback
Photo credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
One insider is debunking prior claims that Calle Jarnkrok could be out of the NHL, and that he could be headed back to Europe.
Swedish national outlet Aftonbladet shared in December that Jarnkrok, 34, could be on his way back to his native Sweden for the 2026-27 season.
Leafs Nation's Nick Alberga said that reports of Jarnkrok looking to head back home is inaccurate, with Jarnkrok looking to continue in the NHL beyond this season.
Aftonbladet & Expressen both said that a deal was reached with Swedish Hockey League club Brynas, a mutual agreement between Jarnkrok and the SHL club.
Having spent the last four seasons as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jarnkrok didn't speak during the team's media availability Thursday, neither confirming or denying reports regarding his future.
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Calle Jarnkrok is reportedly banking on his future being able to continue in the NHL, but that isn't a guarantee, and he still has Sweden to fall back on.
Jarnkrok could be in the NHL next season, but it's unlikely to be with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto looks poised to add more depth this offseason, making Jarnkrok unlikely to return and head to free agency to sign elsewhere.
The 34-year-old has just six goals and eight points in 56 games this season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, largely playing on the Leafs fourth line.
Injuries have kept Jarnkrok in the lineup. With the Leafs at full health, which they rarely were this past season, Jarnkrok likely doesn't have a place in their lineup, and likely still won't going into next season if the team is serious about improving.
For a team looking at a player capable of playing as both a center and winger, and has penalty kill ability, Jarnkrok could be the right fit somewhere in the NHL.
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Calle Jarnkrok was rapidly finding himself outside of the Toronto Maple Leafs forward picture, and it makes it likely that once his contract expires on July 1st that he won't be back.
Jarnkrok has been moved from center to the right wing already, playing mostly fourth line minutes, only moving up the lineup due to injuries to other forwards.
The Leafs will be focusing on some depth additions after moving on from Bobby McMann, Nicolas Roy, & Scott Laughton, and potentially Calle Jarnkrok next.
Aging and struggling to impact for Toronto, the Leafs make the logical move of parting with the 34-year-old while focusing on bringing in new blood, and a new culture.
Calle Jarnkrok will be fighting to stay in the NHL for another season, but after four seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs are doubtful to be one of those suitors for Jarnkrok as a full-time lineup option.
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