Pontus Åberg

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Pontus Åberg
Åberg with the Milwaukee Admirals in 2015
Born (1993-09-23) 23 September 1993 (age 30)
Stockholm, Sweden
Height 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight 196 lb (89 kg; 14 st 0 lb)
Position Forward
Shoots Right
KHL team
Former teams		 Barys Astana
Djurgårdens IF
Färjestad BK
Nashville Predators
Edmonton Oilers
Anaheim Ducks
Minnesota Wild
Toronto Maple Leafs
Traktor Chelyabinsk
Timrå IK
BK Mladá Boleslav
SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers
NHL Draft 37th overall, 2012
Nashville Predators
Playing career 2011–present

Pontus Åberg (/ˈɔːbərɡ/ AW-bərg;[1] born 23 September 1993) is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward currently under contract with Barys Astana in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was drafted in the second round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, 37th pick overall, by the Nashville Predators.

Playing career[edit]

Professional[edit]

SHL[edit]

Åberg represented team Stockholm at the Rikspucken, a national tournament in Sweden. He made his Elitserien debut during the 2010–11 season, as an extra forward in the second game of the season against Modo Hockey, but did not get any time on the ice.[2] Åberg extended his contract with Djurgården to the 2013–14 season in May 2011.[3] Åberg played a total of five games, scoring two points in the 2011 edition of the pre-season tournament European Trophy. Åberg received his first time on the ice in an Elitserien game and also scored his first goal in Elitserien in the league premier against HV71 on 15 September 2011.[4][5] He scored the game-winning goal in the shootouts against Färjestad BK on 29 September 2011.[6]

After a start to the 2011–12 Elitserien season that included getting five goals and three assists in the first fourteen games, Åberg was announced to be the first of four candidates for that season's Elitserien Rookie of the Year.[7]

In the 2013–14 season, Åberg transferred to play for fellow SHL club, Färjestad BK.[8]

Nashville Predators[edit]

After signing an entry-level contract with the Predators, he began his first North American season in 2014–15 season playing for the Predators American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals.[9] In the 2016–17 NHL season Åberg appeared in 15 regular season games posting 1 goal and 1 assist with the Predators. In the AHL Åberg was effective potting 31 goals in just 56 games with the Admirals.[10] After Ryan Johansen went down in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals and it was announced that Johansen would be out for the remainder of the playoffs, and with Predators captain Mike Fisher being sidelined as well, the Predators called upon Colton Sissons and Åberg to help carry the offensive load.[10] In game 5 Åberg scored the game-winning goal in Anaheim in a 3–1 win to give the Predators a 3–2 series lead.[11] In Game 6 at Bridgestone Arena, Åberg assisted 2 of Sissons' 3 goals to help the Predators advance to their first ever Stanley Cup Finals.[12]

On 18 July 2017, the Predators re-signed Aberg to a two-year, $1.3 million contract worth $650,000 annually.[9] During his time with the Predators', he was given the nickname "The Pope".[13]

Edmonton Oilers[edit]

In the 2017–18 season, at the NHL trade deadline on 25 February 2018, Åberg was dealt by the Predators to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Mark Letestu.[14] He made his Oilers debut on 27 February against the San Jose Sharks.[15] He scored his first point as an Oiler in his debut with an assist on a goal from Jesse Puljujärvi, in a 5–2 loss to the Sharks.[16] In remaining with the Oilers to play out the season, Åberg contributed with 2 goals and 8 points in 16 games.[17]

Anaheim Ducks[edit]

After attending the Oilers 2018 training camp, Åberg was unable to retain his roster spot approaching the 2018–19 season. On 1 October 2018, he was claimed off waivers by the Anaheim Ducks.[18] He made his debut with the Ducks in an opening night 5–2 victory over the San Jose Sharks on 3 October 2018.[19] After a brief stint with AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, Åberg returned to the Ducks scoring two goals in consecutive games on 28 and 30 October against the Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers. Through 37 games with the Ducks, Åberg had already eclipsed career highs offensively, placing second on the team with 11 goals and recording 19 points before he was relegated as a healthy scratch through a franchise record losing streak.[20][21]

Minnesota Wild[edit]

On 16 January 2019, Åberg's tenure with the Ducks ended as he was dealt to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Justin Kloos.[21] Åberg was unable to replicate his offensive pace with the Wild, remaining on the roster through the conclusion of the regular season to post 1 goal and 6 points in 22 games.[22] On 25 June 2019, Åberg was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Wild, releasing him to free agency.[23]

Toronto Maple Leafs[edit]

On 24 July 2019, Åberg signed as a free agent to a one-year, $700,000 deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.[22] In the 2019–20 season, Åberg was primarily assigned to AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. He was productive with the Marlies, registering 20 goals and 44 points in 55 games, while making just 5 appearances with the Maple Leafs adding 1 assist.[24] With the remainder of the AHL season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic,[25] Åberg as an impending restricted free agent returned to his native Sweden.

Traktor Chelyabinsk[edit]

Left off the Maple Leafs return to play training camp roster, Åberg effectively left the NHL by signing a one-year contract with Russian club, Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) on 13 July 2020.[26] On 25 August 2020, Åberg's NHL rights were included in a six player trade by the Maple Leafs to the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with Kasperi Kapanen and Jesper Lindgren, in exchange for Evan Rodrigues, David Warsofsky, Filip Hållander and the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.[27] Åberg continued in the KHL for the duration of the 2020–21 season, where in 49 games he had 10 goals and 23 points for Traktor.[28]

Ottawa Senators[edit]

After his lone season in Russia, Åberg returned to the NHL as a free agent, securing a one-year, two-way contract with Canadian club, the Ottawa Senators, on 29 July 2021.[28] After attending the Senators 2021 training camp, Åberg failed to make the opening night roster and was re-assigned to AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators, to begin the 2021–22 season.

Åberg collected 2 goals and 9 assists for 11 points through 17 games with Belleville. Unable to earn a recall to Ottawa, on 6 December 2021, he was placed on unconditional waivers in order to mutually terminate the remainder of his contract with the Senators.[29]

Return to Europe[edit]

Åberg as a free agent from the Senators immediately opted to return to his native Sweden, signing for the remainder of the season with Timrå IK of the SHL on 7 December 2021.[30]

After helping the club avoid relegation, Åberg left Timrå in the off-season and initially joined Czech club, BK Mladá Boleslav of the Czech Extraliga (ELH) on 15 June 2022.[31] In the following 2022–23 season, Åberg registered 3 goals and 13 points through 26 games before opting to conclude his contract in order to continue his journeyman career, in joining Swiss club, SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers of the National League (NL), for the remainder of the season on 10 December 2022.[32]

Åberg having left Switzerland at the conclusion of his contract, opted to return to the KHL, by agreeing to a one-year contract with Kazakh based club, Barys Astana for the 2023–24 season on 1 July 2023.[33]

Career statistics[edit]

Regular season and playoffs[edit]

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2008–09 Djurgårdens IF J18 16 5 3 8 4 — — — — —
2008–09 Djurgårdens IF J18 Allsv 11 1 0 1 4 — — — — —
2009–10 Djurgårdens IF J18 22 22 17 39 16 — — — — —
2009–10 Djurgårdens IF J18 Allsv 14 7 16 23 8 5 4 7 11 4
2009–10 Djurgårdens IF J20 11 0 1 1 4 — — — — —
2010–11 Djurgårdens IF J18 5 8 6 14 2 — — — — —
2010–11 Djurgårdens IF J18 Allsv 3 3 1 4 25 3 0 2 2 2
2010–11 Djurgårdens IF J20 41 13 17 30 16 4 2 3 5 2
2010–11 Djurgårdens IF SEL 1 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2011–12 Djurgårdens IF SEL 47 8 7 15 6 — — — — —
2012–13 Djurgårdens IF Allsv 52 12 28 40 6 6 3 1 4 2
2013–14 Färjestad BK SHL 52 15 16 31 41 13 2 2 4 4
2014–15 Milwaukee Admirals AHL 69 16 18 34 28 — — — — —
2015–16 Milwaukee Admirals AHL 74 25 15 40 32 3 0 0 0 0
2015–16 Nashville Predators NHL — — — — — 2 0 0 0 0
2016–17 Milwaukee Admirals AHL 56 31 21 52 40 — — — — —
2016–17 Nashville Predators NHL 15 1 1 2 4 16 2 3 5 2
2017–18 Nashville Predators NHL 37 2 6 8 8 — — — — —
2017–18 Milwaukee Admirals AHL 4 4 2 6 16 — — — — —
2017–18 Edmonton Oilers NHL 16 2 6 8 2 — — — — —
2018–19 Anaheim Ducks NHL 37 11 8 19 14 — — — — —
2018–19 San Diego Gulls AHL 2 1 1 2 4 — — — — —
2018–19 Minnesota Wild NHL 22 1 5 6 6 — — — — —
2019–20 Toronto Marlies AHL 55 20 24 44 36 — — — — —
2019–20 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 5 0 1 1 0 — — — — —
2020–21 Traktor Chelyabinsk KHL 49 10 13 23 34 5 0 0 0 2
2021–22 Belleville Senators AHL 17 2 9 11 6 — — — — —
2021–22 Timrå IK SHL 24 5 6 11 36 — — — — —
2022–23 BK Mladá Boleslav ELH 26 3 10 13 16 — — — — —
2022–23 SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers NL 22 10 12 22 2 6 1 0 1 2
2023–24 Barys Astana KHL 64 17 20 37 24 — — — — —
SHL totals 124 28 29 57 83 13 2 2 4 4
NHL totals 132 17 27 44 34 18 2 3 5 2
KHL totals 113 27 33 60 58 5 0 0 0 2

International[edit]

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2010 Sweden U17 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 6 2 0 2 4
2010 Sweden IH18 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 5 5 2 7 —
Junior totals 11 7 2 9 4

References[edit]

  1. ^ National Hockey League 2017–18 Pronunciation Guide. Retrieved 18 December 2018
  2. ^ Uhlin, Daniel (18 September 2010). "Tung eftermiddag i Örnsköldsvik". difhockey.se (in Swedish). Djurgårdens IF Hockey. Archived from the original on 11 October 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
  3. ^ "Juniortrio förlänger med DIF". difhockey.se (in Swedish). Djurgårdens IF Hockey. Archived from the original on 21 September 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
  4. ^ Runemo, Staffan (15 September 2011). "Liv hyllades när HV71 förlorade". Dagens Nyheter (in Swedish). TT. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  5. ^ Peterson, Jimmy (15 September 2011). "Ja, han är sjutton år - Åberg matchvinnare". difhockey.se (in Swedish). Djurgårdens IF Hockey. Archived from the original on 14 October 2011. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  6. ^ Grefve, Daniel (29 September 2011). "Sämsta mästarna". Aftonbladet (in Swedish). Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  7. ^ "Pontus Åberg årets rookiekandidat" (in Swedish). 1 November 2011.
  8. ^ "Åberg moves to Färjestad BK" (in Swedish). hockeyligan.se. 19 August 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  9. ^ a b "Predators Sign Pontus Aberg to Two-Year Contract". NHL.com. Nashville Predators. 18 July 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
  10. ^ a b Vingan, Adam (18 July 2017). "Predators sign Pontus Aberg to 2-year contract". The Tennessean. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  11. ^ "NHL Playoffs: Pontus Aberg's goal puts Predators past Ducks in Game 5". NBC Sports. 20 May 2017. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  12. ^ "Anaheim 3–6 Nashville". ESPN. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  13. ^ Jones, Terry (25 February 2018). "JONES: Oilers lose another strong presence in the locker room". Edmonton Sun. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
  14. ^ Wescott, Chris (25 February 2018). "BLOG: Oilers acquire Aberg for Letestu". NHL.com. Edmonton Oilers. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
  15. ^ Matheson, Jim (27 February 2018). "Pontus Aberg makes debut with Edmonton Oilers". The National Post. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
  16. ^ "Evander Kane makes immediate impact in Sharks' win over Oilers". sportsnet.ca. 28 February 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
  17. ^ Matheson, Jim (20 September 2018). "Pontus Aberg has some ground to make up to be with Edmonton Oilers again". Edmonton Sun. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  18. ^ "Ducks claim Aberg off waivers from Oilers". Sportsnet. 1 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  19. ^ "Ducks spoil Karlsson's Shark debut with 5-2 victory". ESPN. 3 October 2018. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  20. ^ Graff, Chad (17 January 2019). "Pontus Aberg starts his Wild career with something to prove to his old team". The Athletic. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  21. ^ a b "Wild acquires Aberg from Ducks". National Hockey League. 16 January 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  22. ^ a b "Maple Leafs Announce Free Agent Signings". Toronto Maple Leafs. 24 July 2019. Retrieved 24 July 2019.
  23. ^ "Wild announces qualifying offers". Minnesota Wild. 25 June 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  24. ^ "Maple Leafs' Pontus Aberg: Signs with Russian club". CBS Sports. 13 July 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  25. ^ "AHL cancels remainder of 2019-20 season". American Hockey League. 11 May 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  26. ^ "Pontus Aberg becomes a player for Traktor" (in Russian). Traktor Chelyabinsk. 13 July 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  27. ^ "Maple Leafs trade Kapanen to Pengiuns". The Sports Network. 25 August 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
  28. ^ a b "Aberg signs two-way contract with Sens". Ottawa Senators. 29 July 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  29. ^ "Pontus Aberg clears waivers". prohockeyrumors.com. 6 December 2021. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  30. ^ "Pontus Aberg joins Timrå IK" (in Swedish). Timrå IK. 7 December 2021. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  31. ^ "Swede Pontus Aberg joins club" (in Czech). BK Mladá Boleslav. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  32. ^ "Pontus Aberg signs with Lakers" (in German). SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers. 10 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  33. ^ "Pontus Aberg is a newcomer to Barys!" (in Kazakh). Barys Astana. 1 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.

External links[edit]

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