Malin Fransson: Can nostalgia deliver gold, or just extra work for the physiotherapist?

Calle Järnkrok’s return to Swedish hockey ended with a loss, but for Brynäs supporters, the result felt almost incidental. The real event was seeing Järnkrok play again for the club alongside Jacob Silfverberg and Johan Larsson, the trio that helped Brynäs win the Swedish championship in 2012.

The first line brought a powerful dose of nostalgia to the preseason meeting with Djurgården at Hovet. Many Brynäs fans turned out after the club confirmed on Monday that Järnkrok would return. Johan Larsson, now 34, came back before the 2022-23 season. Silfverberg, who turns 36 this autumn, followed two years later. Järnkrok, who will turn 35 in a few weeks, has now completed the reunion.

Brynäs sporting director Johan Alcén deserves credit for bringing several former stars back after their NHL careers, Fransson writes. Djurgården has also worked successfully to preserve ties with former players. That approach could become even more important as Swedish players move to North America at younger ages, sometimes after only one or two seasons in the Swedish Hockey League.

But the celebrations also invite an awkward question: can looking backward really lead to a championship? Swedish clubs have welcomed many returning players over the years. Some quickly resumed star roles, while others contributed more through leadership on the ice. The nostalgia surrounding Brynäs is real, but turning it into another title will require more than a memorable reunion.