Samuel Jonsson’s next move may say as much about the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending logjam as it does about his own development.
The 22-year-old prospect is reportedly headed back to Sweden for the 2026-27 season, and while that might not look like a huge setback on the surface, it has opened the door to a more uncomfortable question: does he feel boxed out by Edmonton’s depth chart?
Bruce Curlock, speaking as a guest on Oilers Now, said Jonsson would still face quality competition in the SHL, where he’d be up against veteran NHLers and other young players trying to make the leap to North America. From a development standpoint, he doesn’t see the move as a disaster. But Curlock also pointed to the bigger issue.
“He’s going to play against young guys who are going to be in the NHL… So I think he’ll be fine developmentally wise. I think the concern I have is: What does the player think of the organization and what does the organization think of the player for doing this?
Hopefully this was a mutually agreed decision. And, you know, he goes back for a year until the clog at the Oilers depth chart for goaltending clears up… I don’t want to see him stay there more than this coming season.”
That tension exists because Jonsson had a strong first season in North America with the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets and appeared to have earned a shot at Bakersfield in the AHL. Instead, the Oilers’ crowded pipeline has complicated everything.
Matt Tomkins and Connor Ungar are already in the mix for Bakersfield. Eemil Vinni was recently added on a minor-league contract. Devon Levi came over in a trade with the Buffalo Sabers, and although he’s expected to see NHL time this coming season, he could also land in the AHL.
With all that traffic ahead of him, Jonsson is left in a tricky spot. If Bakersfield isn’t available, going back to Sweden could make more sense than another year in the ECHL. But there’s a difference between choosing the best path for development and feeling like there isn’t room for you in the organization.
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal put it bluntly: “I don’t like those smoke signals at all. This comes across as an organizational screw-up.”
For now, though, there’s still some uncertainty around the move. It could be a decision made together, with both sides aligned on what’s best for Jonsson. Or it may not even be finalized yet, since neither side has confirmed it.
Time will tell.
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