Former NHLers Carter Ashton and Kalle Kossila both played in the SHL last season but are currently without contracts for the 2024-25 season, which is already well underway in Europe. According to various Swedish sources, both will soon be back in the league with new teams.
Ashton is a 33-year-old Canadian winger and the son of well-travelled ex-NHLer Brent Ashton. The younger Ashton played 54 NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs between 2011 and 2015 but has played in Europe ever since. He has played the last four seasons in the SHL for Leksands IF but with Rögle BK currently experiencing injuries to some key forwards, Ashton will reportedly join that team soon. According to Expressen.se, they’re just waiting to get his work permit in order.
Kossila is a 31-year-old Finnish forward who played 19 NHL games with the Anaheim Ducks between 2016 and 2019. He has spent the past two seasons with the SHL’s Växjö Lakers where he put up very respectable offensive numbers – 70 points in 89 games. According to Hockeynews.se, an announcement of a multi-year deal with Örebro HK is imminent. However, for tax reasons he won’t arrive in Sweden until October 27.
“We do not comment on players who are not with Örebro and Kalle Kossila is not an Örebro player at the moment,” was reportedly sports manager Henrik Löwdahl’s response when asked.
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