Färjestad has found a replacement for Matt Tomkins.
Goalkeeper Jonas Johansson is done with the NHL.
– It will be great fun, he says.
On Tuesday, it was announced that Färjestad’s goalkeeper Matt Tomkins is leaving the club. He joined from Frölunda before the just ended season, but it was only one season, and Tomkins may not have maintained the most even and highest level in his game.
Goalkeeper ready
But Färjestad already has his replacement ready. Jonas Johansson has only played eight SHL games during his career, when he left early to try his luck in North America. Since then, there have been 69 games in the AHL, as well as 35 games in the NHL for the Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers. Now he is ready for Färjestad.
After more than six years abroad, the 27-year-old has signed a two-year contract.
– It will be great fun. Immediately when I heard that there was interest, you immediately felt that it was a hot option, so that is only positive. I’m already signed up for next season, he says to the club’s website.
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“Very funny”
Jonas Johansson is now looking forward to proving himself at the highest level in Sweden, something he has not had the chance to do before. During all the years in North America, the goalkeeper has also never been given the chance in any national team.
– The dream of the NHL will always live on as long as you play, I think. But at this stage in life, it feels good to be able to come home and play. A little closer to friends and family and get to experience Swedish hockey again. It will be a lot of fun.
Färjestad’s Rickard Wallin is aware that it is not the most famous goalkeeper, but Färjestad is still very satisfied.
– He went over early and before he had made a breakthrough at the highest level in Sweden, so then it becomes a bit like you end up in the shadows. I think it suits him and us well. No one needs to be in the limelight like that, but I get the impression from the sidelines that he is a very confident and stable guy. I am glad that the situation resolved itself as well and as quickly as it did, says Wallin.
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