The Tampa Bay Lightning have officially signed forward Pontus Holmberg to a two-year contract, featuring an average annual value of $1.55 million, team vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois confirmed. This addition comes after Holmberg’s steady play with the Toronto Maple Leafs and his recent international success, marking a promising chapter in his NHL career.
Holmberg’s NHL Journey and Recent Season Highlights
At 26 years old, Holmberg appeared in 68 games last season with the Maple Leafs, tallying seven goals and 19 points while averaging over 12 minutes of ice time per game. A native of Västerås, Sweden, the forward has totaled 159 NHL games—all with Toronto—accumulating 19 goals and 49 points along with a plus-15 rating. Holmberg has also contributed in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games, recording one assist and maintaining consistent ice time during critical matchups.
He debuted in the NHL on November 2, 2022, facing the Philadelphia Flyers, and quickly made his presence felt by earning his first assist just under two weeks later against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Shortly thereafter, Holmberg scored his first NHL goal—a game-winning effort—against the New Jersey Devils on November 23, 2022.
International Performances and SHL Achievements
Holmberg’s international experience includes representing Team Sweden at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, where he contributed two assists in six games. Most recently, he participated in the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship, aiding Sweden to a Bronze Medal finish with six assists over ten contests, ranking him among the top Swedish forwards at the tournament.
Before moving to North America, Holmberg distinguished himself in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with Växjö Lakers HC. His outstanding performance during the 2021 playoffs helped lead the Lakers to an SHL Championship, as he posted seven goals and 14 points across 14 postseason games. His dominance earned him the Stefan Liv Memorial Trophy as playoff MVP and recognition as the Swedish Forward of the Year. Over 192 SHL career games, Holmberg netted 30 goals and 91 points, finishing with a strong plus-32 rating.
Draft Background and Forward Outlook
Originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the sixth round, 156th overall, of the 2018 NHL Draft, Holmberg’s steady development and performances have paved the way for this new opportunity with Tampa Bay. The Lightning’s signing of Holmberg reflects their confidence in his ability to contribute effectively at the NHL level and grow within their roster moving forward.