Story Summary
HV71 are reportedly seeking a return for André Petersson, with the club said to have made contact and communicated its interest in bringing the experienced forward back to Jönköping.
Petersson rejoined HV71 in 2022 and produced 21 goals and 42 points in 47 games, helping the club avoid the relegation play-offs in 2023. His following two seasons were more difficult, including injury problems in 2023-24 and his removal as captain ahead of 2024-25, although he helped HV71 retain their SHL place through the play-offs in both 2024 and 2025.
He left HV71 in 2025 after lengthy negotiations and went on to record 24 goals and 40 points in 45 games last season, finishing second in the NL scoring race. Petersson has missed several recent games through illness but has returned with one goal and two assists in three appearances.
A return is not presented as agreed. Petersson is reportedly happy in Langnau and could remain in Switzerland, while his newly purchased house in Jönköping is expected to be his base for the remainder of his career regardless of where he plays.
Key Facts
- André Petersson signed for HV71 in 2022 and posted 21 goals and 42 points in 47 games in his first season back.
- He helped HV71 avoid the relegation play-offs in 2023 and retain their SHL status through the play-offs in 2024 and 2025.
- Petersson had injury problems in 2023-24 and was removed as HV71 captain ahead of the 2024-25 season.
- After leaving HV71 in 2025, he recorded 24 goals and 40 points in 45 games last season, placing second in the NL points race.
- HV71 have reportedly contacted Petersson and expressed an interest in bringing him back to the club.
- Petersson has recently returned from illness and has one goal and two assists in three games.
- He is reportedly content in Langnau and may choose to remain in Switzerland.
IHM Discussion
The key point is that HV71’s interest remains a reported approach rather than a completed move. Petersson’s previous spell offers a clear body of work in Jönköping: he supplied high-end scoring in 2022-23 and was involved in two successful efforts to keep the club in the SHL.
There are also important changes around the club since his departure. Niklas Eriksson has taken over as coach from Anton Blomqvist, while Johan Hult has become sporting director. Those changes may shape any discussion, but no agreement or decision has been reported.
For Petersson, the choice is not framed as purely a hockey move. His Jönköping home gives him a long-term base in the city, yet he is said to be enjoying his situation in Langnau. The reported interest therefore establishes a possibility, not a timetable for a return.
Why It Matters
Petersson’s record makes the link significant for HV71. His 21-goal, 42-point first season after returning in 2022 showed the offensive contribution he can provide, while his involvement in the club’s successful relegation play-offs underlines his familiarity with the pressure surrounding the team.
At the same time, the available information does not establish that he is leaving Switzerland. Any possible reunion remains dependent on Petersson’s own decision and on talks progressing beyond reported contact.
Mini Q&A
Has André Petersson agreed to return to HV71?
No agreement has been reported. HV71 are reportedly interested and have made contact, but Petersson may remain in Switzerland.
What did Petersson produce in his first season back at HV71?
He scored 21 goals and recorded 42 points in 47 games after signing for HV71 in 2022.
How has Petersson started after his recent illness?
He has one goal and two assists in three games after missing several matches through illness.
Coach Mark Comment
Petersson’s recent one-goal, two-assist return in three games is a useful reminder that his scoring touch remains part of the discussion. For HV71, however, a possible reunion would need to be judged on more than past production: his previous value came both from finishing ability and from handling demanding games around the club’s SHL survival.
IHM Final View
HV71’s reported contact with André Petersson is a credible story because of his substantial history with the club and his productive season in Switzerland. It is still only interest, however. Petersson’s reported comfort in Langnau means there is no basis to treat a Jönköping return as imminent or certain.