As the Philadelphia Flyers make an incredible push to get to the non-pandemic playoffs for the first time since 2018, an eye is on what potential prospects are doing around the hockey world. And one prospect that was rumored to potentially be on his way over to North America, might not want to stay in Sweden instead.
Jack Berglund has impressed mightily this season. While some consternation about the initial pick was warranted, as none of the major public scouting services placed him anywhere near the second round, he has shed most of that and looks to be a major player in the Flyers’ prospect pool. From captaining Team Sweden to the gold medal at the World Juniors, to playing 40 games in the SHL at just 19 years old and steadily getting more and more responsibility as the season went on for Farjestad; just two years after he was drafted, Berglund’s stock is so much higher than it was just a year ago.
With all of that, there is a large portion of the Flyers fan base that is clamoring to see him more involved in the system and sign his entry-level contract to then battle for a spot on next year’s Flyers roster or play down in the AHL with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Just to have the 6-foot-4 center one step closer to making an impact.
But, that is now looking unlikely — or, at least Berglund himself does not want to make that trip over the Atlantic.
Jack Berglund wants to stay in the SHL next season
In a short conversation with friend of the blog, and Eyes on the Prize’s Patrik Bexell, Berglund talked about whether or not he wants to remain in the SHL with Farjestad next season, and it sure seems like he’d rather do that then start a new journey in North America.
“I want revenge,” Berglund told Bexell. “I feel like I have more in me and wants to do more for Färjestad and Karlstad. I feel like I owe the club here another season, Like, you have betrayed the fans and the city. It hurts, the club means so damn much for me. I feel like I can’t leave after this.”
Berglund and Farjestad were just knocked out in the first round after a 4-1 Game 7 loss to Rogle on Saturday. It is clear that there is an immense amount of emotion behind these words, having just experienced a heartbreaking playoff loss in a fairly tight series. It is perfectly understandable for a 19-year-old center who is just starting to get a meaningful experience in the top domestic division, to want to get another kick at the can with this group and go for it once again, instead of thinking about himself and his development path.
In seven playoff games, Berglund earned three assists, and in the regular season for Farjestad, he scored seven goals and 12 points in 40 games.
But, in the end, if Berglund stays, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, either.
The SHL is easily (not even arguably) the top league in Europe. It has surpassed everywhere else as a very good tell as to whether a young prospect is ready for the North American game and the NHL, with the pace and physicality of the game. If Berglund, who turns 20 years old this week, wants to spend next season with a larger role on Farjestad than he currently has and would still develop a whole lot while staying home, then it’s not going to ruin his development at all. Bump up that production, maybe become a top-six center for that squad, and it would well be worth it.
It all depends how hard the Flyers push, though. Berglund is still under contract with Farjestad for one more season, as he signed a three-year contract with the SHL club before the 2024-25 season. But most of these contracts do feature an NHL out-clause and if the Flyers come knocking and chat up both the player and the team about giving him an opportunity to make the NHL next season or, worst-case scenario, play top-line minutes in the AHL and spend close attention to his development, they could bring him over if they really wanted. But at the same time, they don’t want to tick off Farjestad and make it seem like they’re stealing Berglund away as they try to go deeper in the playoffs next year.
This will be an ongoing story as we head into the offseason. Technically, the Flyers could sign Berglund to his entry-level contract right now and have him finish the year with the Phantoms, but considering what the player is saying, that feels unlikely. A decision much more conceivable to happen in the summer.
