Vienna Capitals complete roster planning with ex-NHL forward

The Vienna Capitals are concluding their professional squad planning with a significant addition.

Jakob Lilja strengthens the Viennese club's offense, signing a two-year contract. The 32-year-old Swede is primarily deployed on the left wing and possesses extensive international experience.

A highlight of his career is his stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets; in the 2019/20 season, the Scandinavian played 37 NHL games, tallying five points (two goals, three assists). He also played 22 games for their AHL affiliate team, the Cleveland Monsters.

Ignominious Chapter in Sweden

Prior to that, the left-handed shot played exclusively in the domestic SHL (265 games) and HockeyAllsvenskan (153). In the second league, he made headlines when, at 22 years old in March 2015, while playing for Rögle BK, he checked an opponent from behind into the neck.

For this, the Swede not only received a ten-game suspension but also had to face court. The Malmö District Court sentenced him to a one-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of 26,000 Swedish Kronor.

He stated in a 2023 interview with "heshootshescoores.com" that he had grown as a person from the experience.

Most Recently in Switzerland

After his return to Europe, Lilja played two years for Barys Astana. At the KHL club, he first played alongside Capitals captain Linden Vey. A year with Dynamo Moscow followed, before he primarily spent the last three seasons in Switzerland.

After 59 games for Ambri-Piotta, the Swede moved to HC Fribourg-Gotteron in a trade, where he again played with Vey. With the reigning Swiss champions, both won the Spengler Cup in the same year.

For the past season, he moved to Frankfurt for half a year, where he had missed the start of the season due to a severe viral illness. The seven-time Swedish international concluded the season with EV Zug.

Intensive Exchange with Vey

The Capitals are a big club in Austria, says the new arrival. "A powerful team has been formed in recent months. We all have high expectations for the upcoming season and want to win."

Before signing in Vienna, he had a lot of discussions with Vey, Lilja recounts. "We didn't just play on the same line; we're also good friends off the ice. I'm looking forward to my move to Vienna and to getting started soon."

The Right "Fit" for the Offense

The Swede had been on the Viennese club's radar for some time, reveals Sports Director Christian Dolezal.

"Head Coach Mike Stewart and I agree that he is the right fit for our offense. He possesses a complete offensive game and can also score goals. His 20 goals in a world-class league like the KHL also speak for that," Dolezal stated.

"Furthermore, he is versatile and an absolute team player. We are delighted that we could attract Jakob to the Vienna Capitals and extend a warm welcome to him and his family in Vienna."

Capitals Roster for the 2026/27 Season: