Axelsson returns to Sweden

by James Mirtle on Jul 27, 2009 11:57 AM CDT in Free Agency Comment 7 comments

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

P.J. Axelsson, who appeared in 797 NHL games (all with the Bruins), has signed a four-year deal with Frolunda of the Swedish Elite League, his former club. The signing closes the door on Axelsson's Bruin career, which included 103 goals and 184 assists. Axelsson, the team's seventh-round pick in 1995, established himself as one of the league's best defensive forwards.

"When you look at Bruins history, the classic Bruins, it's lunchpail hockey," said Neil Abbott, Axelsson's agent. "P.J. was a Bruin through and through, true to the core. With his hard work and determination, he gave it his all. I never saw any client work harder and have more fun doing it than P.J. He loved wearing that jersey."

— Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe

Axelsson first left Frolunda in 1997, after being drafted by the Bruins in the seventh round in 1995, and he's been in Beantown an awful long time. Playing for an iconic Original Six franchise, he's now 10th all-time in games played as a Bruin and is only 34.

His best-ever season was only 17 goals and 36 points, but Axelsson's been one of the top 20 or so defensive forwards in the NHL for much of his career. The active players this past season who have played their entire career with only one franchise and more games than Axelsson are Mike Modano, Joe Sakic, Nick Lidstrom, Martin Brodeur, Shane Doan, Jarome Iginla, Daniel Alfredsson, Patrick Marleau, Patrik Elias, Jere Lehtinen and Tomas Holmstrom.

I bet we'll see Axelsson next at the 2010 Olympics.

Another player off to Frolunda is Joel Lundqvist, who played last season in Dallas and is the identical twin brother of Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist.

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Unless he really didn’t want to move to another NHL team (which is plausible at his age), it seems ridiculous that he didn’t get signed. The only way this end result makes sense is if in P.J.’s mind it was Boston or Sweden, and nothing else.

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by saskhab on Jul 27, 2009 12:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I was always amazed that a guy who weighs 185 pounds soaking wet was so capable of handling big forwards. Same with Lidstrom, really.

Those Swedes sure have great positioning.

by GOOLIAN on Jul 27, 2009 1:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I was hoping the Red Wings might nab him.

by hallock on Jul 27, 2009 2:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I wonder how this is going to effect the B’s…. really seems like PJ is underrated. Such a good defensive forward; and he played alot more than people realize.

@saskhab: I totally agree…. I’d be shocked if he didnt receive offers from some other NHL teams. Seems a Boston or nothing thing….

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by Cheap Seats on Jul 27, 2009 2:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I should have mentioned that: He averages about 16-17 minutes a game and plays on the PK every game. Definitely a loss.

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by James Mirtle on Jul 27, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Indeed. To make it worse, they also let Yelle walk, replacing him by Begin (should be a downgrade on PK). Really seems dangerous to let two players go who are such prominent PK guys. Bergeron is the only major PK time eater that they have left.

by Malurous on Jul 27, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really like the guy, and that’s a lot to say to a Swede from a Finn. Extremely dependable and versatile, and always had such a cheap contract that you couldn’t really fault him for his offensive shortcomings. I hate it that some Bruins fans haven’t given him the respect he’s earned lately. Always seemed like a good guy, too.

by Malurous on Jul 27, 2009 3:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs