Joel Nystrom

September 2026 – Nystrom broke through at the NHL level this year, appearing in 38 games for Carolina (alongside 37 for AHL Chicago) and posting identical 1-9-10 stat lines in both the NHL and AHL – a tidy symmetry that underlines how consistent his game is across both levels. Rod Brind’Amour’s structure-first system suits a player of his profile: a smooth skater who plays a reliable 200-foot game without generating mistakes. He contributed to the Chicago Wolves’ run to the Calder Cup Finals and enters the first year of a four-year, $1.225 million extension that signals organizational commitment. A potential Nikishin holdout or trade could open a more regular role. Nystrom is a depth hold in dynasty who could see his role grow if the roster situation in Carolina shifts. Ryan Downey

August 2025 – With Nystrom’s season over after Farjestad lost in the first round of the SHL playoffs, he is expected to join the Chicago Wolves in the coming weeks. In 57 games this season, he had six goals and 22 assists for 28 points, setting a new career high in points and assists. His smooth skating and 200-foot ability make Nystrom a compelling prospect with the potential to play NHL games within the next few seasons. Nick Bass

August 2024 – Nystrom has signed a contract extension with Farjestad BK in the SHL until the end of the 2025-26 season. In his third SHL season, Nystrom seems to have taken another step in his development, posting career highs in goals (six), assists (17), and points (24). The 21-year-old has consistently been playing on the top pairing for Farjestad and chipping in on both the power play and penalty kill. Nystrom said that the NHL is still his dream, but he is in no rush to get there, which this extension proves. The Hurricanes have until June 1st, 2025, to sign him to an entry-level contract but can move him to North America if they think he is better suited in the AHL. Nick Bass

February 2024 – Joel Nystrom has signed a contract extension with Farjestad BK in the SHL until the end of the 2025-26 season. Nystrom is in his third SHL season and seems to have taken another step in his development, posting career highs in goals (six), assists (17), and points (24). The 21-year-old has consistently been playing on the top pairing for Farjestad and chipping in on both the power play and penalty kill. Nystrom said that the NHL is still his dream, but he is in no rush to get there, which this extension proves. The Carolina Hurricanes have until June 1st, 2025, to sign him to an entry-level contract but can move him to North America if they think he is better suited in the AHL. Nick Bass