Former Washington Capitals defenseman Michal Kempny signed a one-year deal with the Swedish Hockey League’s Brynäs IF last Friday. With the contract, Kempny concluded his three-year tenure with HC Sparta Praha of his native Czechia.
“I am really excited to come to Brynäs IF,” Kempny said in a release. “It is an honor to be part of such a fantastic organization with a proud tradition and passionate supporters. I look forward to meeting everyone in the organization and becoming part of the Brynäs family. I can’t wait to get started.”
Kempny becomes the second 2018 Stanley Cup champion player on the roster, joining former Capitals defenseman Christian Djoos, who signed with the team ahead of last season.
Brynäs also inked former Capitals forward Axel Jonsson Fjällby during the offseason to a three-year deal in late May.
Brynäs’s assembling of former Caps comes ahead of the franchise’s expected signing of Nicklas Backstrom. The legendary Capitals center put his DC area home up for sale in April and returned to his native Sweden earlier this month. Backstrom, who has not played in a game since October 29, 2023, reportedly will sign a one-year contract with his former Swedish club after his Capitals contract ends in July.
Aftonbladet reported that Backstrom plans to resume his playing career and could suit up sporadically with his former club before ramping up his schedule after the Christmas holiday this year.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Brynäs, Kempny was excited about the new opportunity and the familiar faces.
“Great group of guys,” Kempny said of his new club. “Finally I met some of the old teammates so we kind of catch up a little bit after one time. It was really nice.”
In regards to Djoos, Kempny told the team, “I attended his wedding so we know each other really well. We have a lot of great memories together winning the Stanley Cup together in 2018. Christian is really good teammate and always been and I’m really happy to have him around. Actually, he picked me up this morning to get me a ride to the practice. So yeah, really really happy to have him here.”
After injuries derailed Kempny’s NHL career, he moved on to the Czech Extraliga during the 2022-23 season, where he suited up with HC Sparta Praha for three consecutive years. Kempny posted 67 points (11g, 56a) in 108 games with the Czechia-based team. He was also a member of the Czech national team for the last four years.
“Michal is a player who has won at several different levels in his career,” Sports director Johan Alcén said. “He has incredible experience and is a guy who is driven by competition and wants to win. We have received many great references for Michal. It feels really good and exciting that Michal will represent Brynäs IF.”
