Ducks Prospect Lucas Elvenes is expected to log in to Sweden
Although it has taken a few months longer than he originally planned, the Ducks are looking like an outsider Lucas Elvenes expected to return to the SHL and sign with HV71, reports SportExpressen’s Johan Svenssonwho adds that several other teams in Sweden’s highest league also showed interest in him.
Already in January, the 22-year-old drafted an agreement to mutually terminate his contract with Vegas with an eye that he would return to play in his home country Sweden (and probably the Olympics). But to get to that point, he had to clear unconditional exemption first. He did not.
Instead, Elvenes became just the second player ever to be required from these exceptions when Anaheim picked him up with an eye on strengthening his farm team. He did just that when he collected 33 points in 43 games with San Diego, a nice improvement over the 10 of 20 games he had with Henderson. However, that was not enough to get an opportunity to catch up with Anaheim.
Now that his entry contract expires in July, Elvenes now has the chance to go back abroad without any restrictions and he seems ready to do so. The Ducks can retain their NHL rights by giving him a qualified offer and there is no reason for them not to do so as they could retain his rights during the 2026-27 season if he decides to try to play in North America again on the road. .