Jaret Anderson-Dolan, a former NHL player, has decided to embark on a new chapter in his career, signing a two-year contract with Brynäs IF in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). This move marks a significant shift for Anderson-Dolan, who has been on the periphery of the NHL for the past half-decade, struggling to secure a consistent role in the league.
Anderson-Dolan, a 6'0" center, was drafted 41st overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings. Despite showing promise as a defensively-minded fourth-line player, he has consistently failed to establish himself in the NHL. His career high of 46 games played during the 2022-23 season was a temporary respite, but his overall NHL output has been modest, with 29 points in 134 career games.
The past two seasons have been particularly challenging for Anderson-Dolan. In 2024-25, he saw his playing time dwindle to just seven NHL games, with a single point to his name. The following season, 2025-26, was even more disappointing, as he spent the entire year in the AHL without making an appearance in the NHL. However, his AHL performance remained strong, with 13 goals and 36 points in 72 games, solidifying his status as a quality scorer.
The reasons for Anderson-Dolan's NHL struggles are multifaceted. Firstly, his 2024-25 season was unproductive, with only 19 points in 51 games, casting doubt on his reliability as an AHL scorer. Additionally, the NHL's development player rule, which limits the number of games a player can appear in, has made it increasingly difficult for Anderson-Dolan to find a spot in the league. With 372 combined games played in the NHL and AHL, he no longer qualifies as a development player, further complicating his NHL prospects.
Despite these challenges, Anderson-Dolan's move to the SHL is an opportunity for him to continue his professional career and potentially find a new home. Brynäs IF, a club looking to rebound after a disappointing 2025-26 season, may provide the environment he needs to thrive. This move also highlights the competitive nature of the NHL, where players must constantly adapt and seek new opportunities to stay relevant.
In my opinion, Anderson-Dolan's journey is a testament to the challenges faced by many NHL players. The league is a highly competitive environment, and players must be willing to adapt and take risks to secure their future. While his NHL career may have been short-lived, his move to the SHL is a chance for him to rewrite his story and find success in a new league.
