Sharks Sign Bystedt, When Will He Come to North America?

San Jose Sharks fans should get a first-hand look at fast-rising prospect Filip Bystedt soon.

Bystedt, GM Mike Grier’s first Draft pick, selected No. 27 in the first round last year, has signed a three-year entry-level contract.

AAV for Bystedt's deal is $925k, with performance bonus of $83.3k.

— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) June 12, 2023

Considered something of a reach when he was chosen, Bystedt responded to the doubts with a terrific World Juniors for Team Sweden and won SHL Rookie of the Year this past season, registering seven goals and 20 points in 45 appearances with Linköping HC.

The 6-foot-4 centerman is now thought to be in the conversation for the San Jose Sharks’ second-best prospect, behind 2021 first-round pick William Eklund.

Bystedt Now Sharks’ No. 2 Prospect? (+)

“He was very impressive,” an NHL scout from outside the Sharks organization told San Jose Hockey Now about Bystedt’s WJC. “Outplaying his Draft slot. Stock is up. Prototypical NHL size and skating, showed a skilled offensive game too. Can really shoot it. Top-six with power play upside.”

So when will Bystedt make his San Jose Sharks organization debut?

The 19-year-old, as a European draft pick, is allowed to join the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda as soon as this coming season. He can also opt to continue his development in the SHL.

SJHN has reached out to Bystedt’s representation to get a sense of his direction for the 2023-24 campaign.

If Bystedt does re-join Linköping, it’s likely that San Jose Sharks fans will still get to see him up close next year. The SHL regular season ends before the AHL’s, so I’d expect the Sharks to bring Bystedt over for a North American cup of coffee.

Bystedt could also attend San Jose Sharks development camp, set for the first week of July, and September’s Rookie Faceoff. He participated in last year’s dev camp, but not the Rookie Faceoff.

Bystedt’s ELC will “slide” to start during the 2024-25 season if he doesn’t play 10 games for the Sharks next year.