David Reginek-Imagn Images
San Jose Barracuda defenseman Axel Landen has signed a one-year deal in Finland with TPS, it was announced earlier this week.
Landen, a 2023 fifth round pick of the San Jose Sharks, split time this season between the Barracuda, HV71 (SHL) and IK Oskarshamn (HockeyAllsvenskan). In four SHL games and two AHL games, Landen was held pointless but he scored two goals and added six assists for eight points in 45 regular season games with IK Oskarshamn.
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A product of Jonkoping, Sweden, Landen grew up playing hockey in HV71’s system, going from U16 all the way to the J20 Nationell and onto the SHL. Although he never registered a point, Landen did appear in parts of two SHL seasons with HV71, getting into 39 games.
With Landen heading off to Liiga, he should be able to step into the lineup and be a steadying presence for the team. Still only 20, Landen has a long runway ahead of him and could still come back to North America to see if he can find his way to the NHL.