It was a little weird

Calle Jarnkrok’s 13-year NHL career, the last four of which were spent with the Toronto Maple Leafs, seemingly came to an end this summer. Now back in Sweden, the veteran center got the chance to sit back and open up about his final years in Toronto.

Speaking with Hockeysverige, Jarnkrok described his final two seasons in Toronto as difficult, and how the uncertainty around his future impacted his decision to return to Sweden.

“I’ve had two tough years, and it feels a bit sad not to be able to finish over there the way I wanted,” Jarnkrok said. “That’s maybe why the decision took a little longer. But now it feels good to have made up my mind.”

Injuries limited Jarnkrok to just 19 games two seasons ago. Upon returning to full fitness last season, the veteran forward expected to feature more prominently upon the departure of Mitch Marner.

However, he found himself struggling to stay in the lineup under then head coach Craig Berube.

“Last year I came in and felt in really good shape, I scored goals… and then he (Craig Berube, coach) put me in the stands. It was a little weird… At that moment I was very surprised,” Jarnkrok said.

The former Maple Leafs star acknowledged that the general manager and coach ultimately decide who plays. However, the uncertainty in Toronto was starting to take its toll on him mentally.

“It was an uphill battle. I did well but wasn’t allowed to play. It was tough to motivate myself and keep going.”

Despite the somewhat unceremonious end to his time in Toronto, Jarnkrok praised the city’s passion for hockey and the pressure that comes with playing for the Maple Leafs.

Jarnkrok reveals when he decided to leave Maple Leafs for Brynäs

Multiple reports suggested that Jarnkrok had already agreed to a deal with Brynäs before the season ended. However, those rumors were quickly shut down by his agent.

The ex-Maple Leafs center revealed that his decision to return to Sweden was actually made recently.

“It has grown a little over the summer, but I made the real decision the other day. Now it feels good that it has become a reality. There was no one hundred percent plan that I would move home, but I have always had a dream and vision of finishing in Brynäs,” he said.

The 34-year-old was a hardworking bottom-six forward in the NHL, finishing his career with 143 goals and 173 assists over the span of 774 regular-season games.