An American Signing In Sweden Makes Headlines For 1st Time Since Ryan Whitney

Swedish people do not make an issue with much but a signing in the SHL has made some noise. Skellefteå AIK is a legendary team and is a franchise that is always in the mix to lift the trophy. At this time of year all GMs across the league are looking at their rosters and saying “Do we need to add a player or are we good?” the boss for this franchise wanted to add.  Enter Kenny Agostino.

Kenny Agostino is a helluva hockey player and would be a huge addition for any SHL team.  A US Olympian, AHL Player of the Year and veteran of 86 NHL games.

He played his college hockey at Yale in the great town of New Haven that if you have not heard is the world's best city for pizza. Don’t believe me? Does this review change your mind? 

So we know he has some discipline because I would have been a monster with all those pizza spots. 

Anyway back to Kenny, after college he bounced between the NHL and AHL before he took the money and went to the KHL. He signed a 2-year contract before the Ukrainian invasion and tried to get out of his contract last season but was unable to according to his agent.

Playing in Russia for a team that is controlled by the Government during the times we live in is not looked upon fondly by the Swedish people. It would be an understatement to say the fans do not agree with this signing and by that I mean they are saying they won't show up to games. The memes have also been flowing on social media all day.

I'm not here for a political debate, but I do wonder if Kenny will be able to match the highlights and legacy that the Whit left over here.  

This will be an interesting story to follow as the season progresses and fans make their way to home games. Will they protest or will they get over it when he scores opening night? I'd say its 50/50 right now he makes it to the elusive 3rd game, that our own Ryan Whitney never saw.

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