NHL Powerhouse Loses Defenseman as Cal Foote Heads to Sweden In a surprise move, 27-year-old defenseman Cal Foote has left the NHL to join the Swedish Hockey League's Färjestad BK for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Foote, who was drafted 14th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2017, will be suiting up for his second stint overseas, having previously played in the KHL. The former WHL standout's decision to leave the NHL marks a significant departure for the Lightning, who will need to fill the void left by his departure. As Foote embarks on a new chapter in Sweden, hockey fans are eager to see how he will adapt to the SHL and whether this move will be a stepping stone to further international success.

According to a team announcement, defenseman Cal Foote has signed with the SHL’s Färjestad BK for the 2026-27 season. It’ll be Foote’s first season playing professionally in Sweden, and his second overseas. Foote, 27, was drafted with the 14th overall pick of the 2017 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Coming from the WHL’s […]