Marcus Högberg Bio
Marcus Högberg is a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for the Bridgeport Islanders in the American Hockey League while under contract to the New York Islanders in the National Hockey League. The Örebro native was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the third round with the 78th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Högberg has built his professional career spanning over a decade, developing from a promising Swedish prospect into an established NHL-caliber goaltender.
Early Life and Background
Marcus Högberg was born on November 25, 1994, in Örebro, Sweden. Growing up in the Swedish hockey system, Högberg developed his skills as a goaltender in his hometown region. His progression through youth hockey in Sweden laid the foundation for his future professional career in North American professional hockey.
Path to Professional Hockey
Högberg began his professional career with Linköping HC in the Swedish Hockey League, making his SHL debut during the 2012-13 season. His early development came through the Swedish junior and senior systems, where he honed his craft as a tall, athletic goaltender known for his competitive demeanor between the pipes. The experience gained playing against seasoned professionals in Sweden prepared him for the challenges of North American professional hockey.
Marcus Högberg Career
Early Career (2013-2017)
After his debut season with Linköping HC, Högberg was loaned to Mora IK of the HockeyAllsvenskan for the duration of the 2013-14 season. This assignment to a lower-tier Swedish league provided valuable playing time and development opportunities for the young goaltender. Following his loan spell, Högberg returned to Linköping HC where he continued to develop over the next several seasons, becoming an increasingly reliable presence in goal for the SHL club.
Ottawa Senators Organization (2017-2021)
On March 30, 2017, Högberg signed his first NHL contract, agreeing to a two-year entry-level deal with the Ottawa Senators. He immediately joined the Senators organization and was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Binghamton Senators, on a professional try-out basis to conclude the 2016-17 season. The 2017-18 season saw Högberg split time between the Belleville Senators in the AHL and the Brampton Beast in the ECHL, continuing his development in the North American professional ranks.
During the 2018-19 season, Högberg began with the Belleville Senators before being reassigned to the ECHL on November 27, 2018. He was recalled to the AHL shortly afterward and earned a call-up to the NHL on December 22, 2018. Högberg made his highly anticipated NHL debut on December 29, 2018, facing the Washington Capitals. He stopped 21 of 24 shots in a hard-fought 3-2 loss to the Capitals, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level. On June 19, 2019, the Senators rewarded Högberg with a two-year contract extension worth $700,000, with the second year on a one-way basis.
Return to Sweden (2021-2024)
Following five seasons within the Ottawa Senators organization, Högberg chose to return to his roots in Sweden. On June 17, 2021, he signed a four-year contract to rejoin Linköping HC of the SHL. This homecoming allowed Högberg to play closer to his native Örebro while continuing his professional hockey career in Sweden’s top league. His three seasons with Linköping HC proved successful, maintaining his high level of play in the competitive SHL environment.
New York Islanders (2024-Present)
After completing his contract with Linköping HC, Högberg exercised his NHL out clause and signed with the New York Islanders on May 7, 2024. The two-year contract was worth $1.55 million, marking his return to the NHL after spending the previous three seasons in Sweden. Högberg joined the Islanders organization and was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders, to begin the 2024-25 season. This season marked a new chapter in his career as he worked to establish himself once again at the NHL level while contributing to the Islanders’ organizational depth in goal.
Playing Style and Strengths
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, Marcus Högberg brings imposing size to the goaltending position. His tall frame allows him to cover a significant portion of the net, making it difficult for shooters to find openings. Högberg is known for his competitiveness and composure under pressure, qualities that served him well during his development in Sweden and his time with the Ottawa Senators organization. His experience spanning multiple leagues, including the SHL, AHL, ECHL, and NHL, has provided him with a well-rounded understanding of the game at various competitive levels.
Notable Milestones
Among Högberg’s most significant career milestones is his NHL debut against the Washington Capitals on December 29, 2018, a memorable introduction to the world’s top hockey league. The selection of Högberg in the third round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft represented a successful gamble by the Ottawa Senators on his long-term potential as a professional goaltender. His journey from Swedish prospect to NHL player, which included successful stints in both North American and European professional leagues, demonstrates his adaptability and dedication to the sport.
Marcus Högberg Career Statistics
Throughout his professional career spanning multiple leagues and international competitions, Marcus Högberg has accumulated substantial experience at various levels of professional hockey. His time in the SHL with Linköping HC, his tenure within the Ottawa Senators system across the AHL and NHL, and his eventual return to Swedish hockey have all contributed to his development as a seasoned professional goaltender.
Professional Highlights
Högberg’s professional achievements include winning thestarting job with Belleville Senators in the AHL and earning his first NHL call-up and debut with the Ottawa Senators. His memorable debut against the Washington Capitals, where he made 21 saves despite the loss, showcased his ability to perform at hockey’s highest level. His successful three-year stint back home with Linköping HC in the SHL demonstrated his continued high-level play that earned him another opportunity in the NHL with the New York Islanders.
International Experience
As a Swedish national, Högberg has represented his country in international competitions throughout his career. Sweden’s strong tradition in producing elite goaltenders has provided a competitive environment for developing players like Högberg, who benefited from the nation’s comprehensive hockey development system.
Marcus Högberg Family
Background
Marcus Högberg hails from Örebro, Sweden, where he was born and raised. His Swedish heritage places him within one of hockey’s most storied nations, producing numerous NHL and international stars throughout the history of the sport.
Personal Life
As a professional athlete, Högberg has dedicated his career to competing at the highest levels of ice hockey. His journey from his native Sweden through the North American minor leagues to NHL regular season games reflects his commitment to excellence in his sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 season marked Marcus Högberg’s first full season with the New York Islanders organization following his return from Sweden. Joining the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL, Högberg provided veteran presence and experience to the Islanders’ goaltending depth chart. His journey from SHL star back to North American professional hockey represented an exciting storyline as he worked toward earning additional NHL opportunities with the parent club. The transition back to the AHL-NHL pipeline required adjustment, but Högberg’s professionalism and track record positioned him as a valuable asset within the organization. His experience in the SHL and his previous NHL appearances gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to perform when called upon, making him an important part of the Islanders’ long-term goaltending plans.