Marcus Hogberg Returns to Sweden
Goaltender Marcus Hogberg, who was previously a pending unrestricted free agent with the New York Islanders, has made the decision to return to Sweden by signing a three-year contract with Linköping HC in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). This move signifies Hogberg’s third tenure with the club, where he initially started his career and played for an additional three seasons between 2021 and 2024 in the SHL before attempting to re-establish himself in the NHL.
Performance in the NHL
In the North American league, Hogberg found himself as a backup to Ilya Sorokin during the 2024-2025 season, which also saw him playing for the Bridgeport Islanders. Over the past season, he participated in 31 regular-season games with Bridgeport, achieving a record of 12 wins, 13 losses, and 6 overtime losses, along with a 2.92 goals-against average (GAA) and an .898 save percentage.
Despite solid statistics in the SHL prior to joining the Islanders, including a commendable performance in 42 games with the Ottawa Senators from 2018 to 2021, Hogberg struggled to solidify his role in the NHL. Notably, he was unable to make the Islanders’ roster out of training camp. Nevertheless, during a few call-ups this past season, he demonstrated exceptional skill, stopping 76 of 80 shots in just four appearances, leading to an impressive .950 save percentage and a mere 1.56 GAA, marking him as one of the standout goalies in Isles history for those with multiple game appearances.
Personal Journey and Emotional Roots
Hogberg’s journey back to Sweden has deep emotional roots, particularly in light of personal hardships. In a revealing conversation, he reflected on the loss of his father, Peter Hogberg, who passed away shortly after a surgery for a brain tumor. The difficult circumstances surrounding his father’s illness and eventual passing impacted Hogberg’s mentality and performance during his last year in Ottawa. Seeking solace and support from family and friends, he ultimately decided to return home to Sweden to regain his sense of self, both on and off the ice.
A New Chapter with Linköping HC
His decision to sign with Linköping HC represents not just a strategic career move, but also a personal one.
“I felt like being closer to my friends and my family and building myself up as a goalie again was the right decision,”
he shared, expressing contentment with his choice.
As he embarks on this latest chapter with Linköping, Hogberg values the experience he gained in the NHL, marking it as a crucial part of his professional development. With fond memories of his time with the Islanders, he is excited to face them on the ice again, particularly with head coach Patrick Roy giving him the nod to play against the team that originally drafted him.
“It’s fun. I’m just going to try to enjoy the moment, be ready, and just have some fun,”
he remarked, indicating his enthusiasm for returning to a familiar environment as he begins this new phase of his career.
