After quieter season, Samuel Fagemo’s scoring touch could be key for Manitoba Moose

While Swedish is Samuel Fagemo‘s first language, scoring goals has often been his most fluent.

Sunday afternoon’s win-or-go-home game against the Milwaukee Admirals proved to be the perfect stage for Fagemo.

Late in the second period, with the Moose clinging to a one-goal lead, David Gustafsson found Fagemo alone in the slot, feeding a pass to the streaking forward, who ripped a shot over the glove of Matt Murray to make it 2-0.

“Got a nice pass from Gus there and I was just trying to get the puck to the net. it was for sure a nice feeling to get the goal there,” said Fagemo days later.

The goal stood as the series winner, sending the Moose to the second round for the first time since the 2017-18 season.

For Fagemo, the goal came as a welcome breakthrough after a string of bad luck, including a shot that struck a stick in Game 1 and a missed open net as well as ringing one off the post earlier in Game 3.

While this is Fagemo’s first season in antlers, he’s had plenty of experience in North America and abroad, honing his skills to get to where he is today.

Roots in Sweden

Fagemo was born on Mar. 14, 2000, in Gothenburg, Sweden. His parents, Linus and Linda, saw his eagerness to play hockey from as early as two years old.

“I’ve been asking Samuel ever since he was little ‘What do you want to be? What do you want to do?” Linda said.

“Hockey, hockey, hockey, all the time.”

Fagemo grew up in a hockey household, with his father playing all over Europe from 1995 to 2012. He often watched him play and spent time at practices as well. Hockey was a constant topic in the Fagemo household, and Samuel shared that passion with his three brothers, who also took a liking to the sport.

By around age 12, he decided he wanted to become a hockey player. His skill was evident as he climbed the ranks of junior hockey in Sweden.

Eventually, he worked his way to the SHL, where he played three seasons with the then-known Frölunda Indians. In his first season, he bounced around clubs, playing just two games with the Indians and going pointless.

The 2018-19 season was one to remember. Fagemo became a regular contributor, tallying 25 points in 42 games. He added 10 points in 16 playoff games, helping Frölunda capture the Le Mat Trophy. The team then went on to win the Champions Hockey League.

In the final against Red Bull Munich, Fagemo scored the first goal in a 3-1 victory.

“It was a great experience to play a long playoff round and finally win the championship. It was a fun experience and a great memory for life,” said Fagemo on winning a championship.

Goal scoring has long been the defining part of Fagemo’s game, highlighted by a unique trend. Since 2017, he has consistently scored more goals than assists.

That scoring touch didn’t fully translate at the 2019 World Junior Championship, but in 2020 he broke out, leading the tournament with eight goals and five assists. His biggest performance came in the bronze medal game against Finland, where he recorded a goal and an assist and was named player of the game in Sweden’s 3-2 win.

In his final year with Frölunda, he recorded 22 points in 42 games. While he didn’t reach the same heights, his previous success had already put him on the radar for the next step.

Adjusting to North America

Fagemo was passed over in his first year of draft eligibility, but entered the 2019 NHL Draft feeling confident. He met with 29 teams and believed his interview with the Los Angeles Kings went well.

The first night of the draft passed without his name being called, but on day two, his moment arrived. The Kings traded picks 64 and 126 to move up to 50 and selected Fagemo.

He spent the next five years in the Kings organization, primarily with their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign. Over that span, he put together multiple strong seasons, scoring 20 or more goals in four different campaigns.

His most impressive year came in 2023-24, when he recorded 43 goals and 62 points.

Despite his success at the AHL level, Fagemo struggled to secure a consistent role in the NHL. He made his debut in the 2021-22 season, scored his first goal in 2022-23, and was briefly claimed off waivers by the Nashville Predators in 2023-24, but never found a permanent spot.

At the end of the 2024-25 season, Fagemo became a Group 6 unrestricted free agent and opted for a change, signing a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets.

“I had been in the Kings organization for five years, so I kind of felt it was time to try something new and something different. It’s a new chapter in my life and career,” said Fagemo at the beginning of the season after signing with the Jets organization.

Fagemo was unable to crack the Jets roster despite injuries, but found success with the Moose. He finished third on the team in points with 35 and led the club in goals with 19.

His role has remained consistent throughout his career: a scoring threat and power play specialist.

He has also enjoyed playing alongside fellow Swedes on the team, including David Gustafsson, Lukas Gustafsson, Alfons Freij, Elias Salomonsson, and Fabian Wagner.

“We have our Swedish mafia crew here. It’s nice to talk Swedish sometimes,” said Fagemo.

Fagemo now has his sights set on the Grand Rapids Griffins and leading the Moose to the Central Division Finals. And if his latest moment is any indication, the Moose may need that scoring touch more than ever.