**Former Bruins Forward Leaving NHL for Hometown Team**
Oskar Steen is departing North American hockey after five seasons with the Boston Bruins organization to join Färjestad of the Swedish Hockey League, as announced on Saturday.
Steen began his career with Färjestad, which helped him transition to the NHL. He played with the Bruins from 2016 to 2019 before moving to their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins.
Steen expressed a desire to stay with the Bruins longer but ultimately decided to return home. “It feels fantastically fun. In some way, you have longed for this day, even if you might have hoped that you would manage to stay a little longer over there,” Steen said via Google Translate. “But Färjestad is the team in my heart and I enjoy myself very well in Karlstad, so it feels incredibly good.”
The Karlstad, Sweden native primarily played in the AHL but appeared in 60 games with the Bruins, tallying eight points (four goals, four assists) with an average ice time of 9:08 minutes per game.
In five seasons with Providence, Steen recorded 119 points in 230 regular-season and playoff games. Reflecting on his time, he said, “During those years, I’ve gained a lot of experience, played with very good players, and learned from players who are world-class. I’ve seen and learned a lot and feel really hungry to come back and show what I’m about.”
Steen was placed on waivers in February before finishing the season in the AHL. His move back to Färjestad marks a return to his roots and an opportunity to continue his career in a familiar environment.
