AIK signs American Ryder Rolston after Robin Kovacs moves to Björklöven

Swedish HockeyAllsvenskan club AIK announced the signing of 24‑year‑old American forward Ryder Rolston for the 2026‑27 season. Rolston comes from the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals, where he recorded 66 points in 179 games, and was originally drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2020. He previously played in the NCAA before turning professional. In his statement to the club, Rolston said he was "very excited" to join AIK and praised the organization’s history and fan base. Sport director Lasse Johansson described Rolston as a "strong skater who works hard across the ice" and highlighted his scoring ability.

The signing follows the departure of forward Robin Kovacs, who had been linked with a return to AIK but instead transferred from Linköping to newly promoted SHL side Björklöven. Kovacs, 29, posted 47 points in 50 games last season and has previously played for Örebro, Luleå and Rögle. Björklöven paid a transfer fee to secure his services, breaking a clause that would have penalised a move to another SHL club. The move provoked anger among AIK supporters on social media, with many questioning Kovacs’ loyalty and expressing disappointment that he chose Björklöven over AIK.