More than three years after the Canucks switched for him, Linus Karlsson is on his way to Vancouver.

The 22-year-old center has signed an initial contract with the Canucks, GM Patrik Allvin announced today.

“We are pleased to officially welcome Linus to Vancouver,” Allvin said in a press release. “He is a good goal scorer who plays a stable two-way match and he comes after an impressive rookie season in Sweden. We look forward to seeing him develop his game in North America. “

A third round pick of the San Jose Sharks 2018, Karlsson was traded to the Canucks for Jonathan Dahlen 2019, in a deal that was widely criticized at the time.

And even though Dahlen has since made his NHL debut, there is still time for Karlsson to turn the deal in Vancouver’s favor.

The 2021-22 season was a big step forward for Karlsson, who previously played 152 matches in the Hockey Allsvenskan, which is a step down from the SHL in Sweden.

Karlsson led his team, Skellefteå AIK, in goal (26) and ranked second on points (46). His score was also ranked ninth in the entire league and first among rookies.

The 6-foot-1, 178-pound long forward’s season was so impressive that it earned him a spot on Team Sweden at the World Hockey Championships this month.

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