Florida Panthers defenseman Robert Hagg (18) controls the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesVegas Golden Knights defenseman Robert Hagg could be returning home to Sweden for the 2025-26 season to play for MoDo Örnsköldsvik, according to HockeyNews.se reporter Mattias Persson.
“As I understand it, moving home is very much in play,” Persson said in the latest episode of his podcast MP & Hanson. “It’s down to either MoDo or re-signing with Vegas Golden Knights.”
The 30-year-old defenseman signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Golden Knights in the offseason and has spent most of the season with Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL, recording three goals and 16 points in 40 games. Due to injuries throughout the season, Hagg earned a call-up to the NHL, playing in two games during November.
Once a second-round pick (41st overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, Hagg has gone on to play 345 NHL games, scoring 16 goals and 63 points. Listed at 6'2, 210 lbs, Hagg has been known as a defensive defenseman in his career but has struggled with consistency.
Throughout his 10-year NHL career, Hagg has played for the Flyers, Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks and the Golden Knights. Maintaining an every-night player status has been increasingly difficult for Hagg and if he does decide to head back to the SHL, he'll be able to play the consistent minutes he's been yearning for.
Reportedly, MoDo made a big push to sign Hägg last summer, but he decided to give the NHL another chance.
“It was on the table whether we should move home or how we should do it, but we have definitely decided that we want to stay abroad for a few more years,” Hägg said at the time.
Hägg spent three seasons in the MoDo organization from age 16 to 19, recording seven points in 80 SHL games. Hagg's decision will likely be clearer once the fate of MoDo is decided. The team currently sits 13th in the 14-team league – two points up on last-place HV71 and two behind 13th-place Linköping with seven games remaining in the regular season. The last two teams in the standings face each other in a play-out series, with the winner remaining in the SHL and the loser being relegated to the second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan.
If MoDo stays in the SHL, Hagg could be on the move back to Sweden but if they are relegated, it's likely that Hagg re-signs with the Golden Knights.
Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.
