As the European hockey season winds down, NHL teams are ramping up their pursuit of international talent, and one name generating buzz is Theodor Niederbach. This 23-year-old center has caught the attention of over half the league, including the Boston Bruins, who recently dispatched scouts to Gothenburg to watch him play for Frölunda HC in the SHL.
Niederbach isn’t a new face in NHL circles. Drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round of the 2020 draft, he was once considered a promising prospect. However, after four years in the SHL and HockeyAllsvenskan without significant progress, the Red Wings chose not to sign him by their 2024 deadline, relinquishing his rights.
Standing at 6'0", Niederbach made a strong statement with MoDo Hockey, tying for the team lead in scoring with 33 points in 51 games. Although he played a key role in MoDo’s promotion from the HockeyAllsvenskan, he couldn’t prevent their relegation last season.
This led him to sign a two-year contract with Frölunda, where he’s excelled with 11 goals and 28 points in 44 games, boasting a +12 rating. Now settled into a top-six role, he’s benefiting from playing alongside potential 2026 first-overall pick Ivar Stenberg, drawing even more attention as the season progresses.
Niederbach’s contract with Frölunda includes an NHL out-clause, hinting at his aspirations across the pond. Initially drafted as a two-way center, he’s evolved into an offensively-inclined playmaker, thriving with increased responsibilities in the SHL.
For the Bruins, Niederbach would add to their roster of young centers with potential top-nine roles. With players like Marat Khusnutdinov, Fraser Minten, and Matthew Poitras already in the mix, and all current centers under contract through next season, Niederbach might not break into the NHL immediately. However, if he’s looking for a long-term fit rather than an instant NHL spot, the Bruins’ blend of journeyman forwards and mid-tier prospects could offer him a chance to carve out a significant role in the future.