Jacob Josefson Returns to Hockey After Four-Year Hiatus

It was in an away game against Rögle on January 19, 2021, that the Djurgården star suffered the tackle that seemed to put a stop to his career.

After 19 months of unsuccessful attempts to come back, he announced in August 2022 that his hockey career was over.

Instead, he became an expert commentator in Viaplay and last season an assistant sports manager in Djurgården.

But now he's back, after a summer with hard training and a preseason on the ice, ready to play.

When Djurgården makes a comeback in SHL on Saturday at home against Skellefteå, Jacob Josefson will do the same.

"Goosebumps and shivers"

How will it be to enter Hovet?

Completely wonderful. When it's full and the whole curve is cheering, it's a special atmosphere, you get goosebumps and shivers, he says and his eyes light up.

When it was rumored in the spring about a comeback from Josefson's side, many reacted with the question "how dare he?".

The answer:

I know my own body and know best of all how I feel. For me, it's no worries.

Have you consulted doctors?

I've talked to doctors, family, friends, and all that. I want to give it another chance and show that I can handle it, he says.

"Make your own decision"

Djurgården as a club has nothing to object to potential risks either.

I reason like this, that it's a grown person who must be allowed to make their own decision. He has done his own research and then we landed on that he gets to train and try to take a spot, says coach Robert Kimby.

Jacob Josefson initially got a trial contract, a couple of weeks ago it became a permanent contract for the coming season.

When Josefson was forced to take what now appears to be a break, he was team captain and the team's leading player. During the preseason, he has been used as a center in the second line.

So what can he bring four years later?

A calm and a sense of security. He will be important for us in defensive situations and face-offs, he handles steering powerplay in a very fine way. We hope and believe that he will be able to help lead the group, says Kimby.

So the former national team center, who made eight NHL seasons (seven in New Jersey), is seen as a top player in the newcomer.

He enjoys getting a second chance and has high hopes.

I of course hope that I make a great season and help Djurgården to success, and my goal is not just to come back and play a year. I'm 34 years young and have many good years left, and I've gotten to rest my body for a few years, he says.

With a second chance, he hopes to be able to decide himself when it's time to put a stop to it.

It's probably what all athletes want, and it was tough to be forced to make the decision (to quit). It feels like I was almost at the top of my career and that I had a lot to look forward to.

Now he gets a second chance.

Göran Sundberg/TT