A few days after Daniel Zaar's reported interest in returning to Sweden became public, it appears as though we have a resolution.
First reported in the Swedish media on Sunday morning and later confirmed by the club, Zaar inked a two-year contract with the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) side Malmo Redhawks and will suit up for them starting this fall. That means, for now, his time in the Blue Jackets organization is over.
Malmo confirmed in a team press release that Zaar will join the club tomorrow.
Daniel Zaar klar fr Malm Redhawkshttps://t.co/CIMWfCgGoF pic.twitter.com/EsuO355y8c
— Malm Redhawks (@Malmo_Redhawks) May 7, 2017
The 23-year-old Zaar just completed the final year of his entry level deal with the Blue Jackets and was set for restricted free agent status on July 1. The Blue Jackets can retain Zaar's rights while he plays in Sweden if they extend him a qualifying offer prior to the expiration of his current contract.
After a strong rookie season with the Cleveland Monsters a year ago, Zaar's production dipped in 2016-17. He scored 21 goals and 43 points in 71 games with the Monsters during their Calder Cup winning year, but this past season, netted only eight goals and 30 points in 55 games.
Zaar was a sixth-round pick of the Blue Jackets (No. 152 overall) under former GM Scott Howson in 2012.
