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Blackhawks, Leafs in mix for Swedish defenseman Calle Rosen

One of the hottest European free agents could find an NHL home sometime soon.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks are among the front-runners to land Calle Rosen, a 23-year-old Swedish defenseman, The Athletic has learned.

Rosen, who is 6-foot and 180 pounds, has spent his entire career in Sweden. He’s played for the Vaxjo Lakers in the SHL the past two seasons and has emerged as one of of league’s premier defensemen. He had six goals, 13 assists and averaged 18:44 of ice time in 41 games this season.

Whichever team lands Rosén would sign him to a two-year, entry-level contract, according to the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement.