Felix Sandström Bio
Per Felix Sandström, born on 12 January 1997 in Gävle, Sweden, is a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for Oulun Kärpät of the Finnish Liiga. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and catching with his left hand, Sandström has built his career across the Swedish Hockey League, the American Hockey League, and the National Hockey League. He was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round, 70th overall, of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and has since developed into a dependable netminder at multiple competitive levels.
Early Life and Background
Felix Sandström was born and raised in Gävle, a coastal city in central Sweden known for its strong sporting culture and winter traditions. Growing up in a country where ice hockey ranks among the most popular sports, Sandström was introduced to the game at a young age and progressed through local youth development programs. His early training laid the foundation for a career as a goaltender, a position that demands both physical conditioning and sharp mental focus.
Sandström comes from a family with athletic ties to the sport. His twin brother, Simon, also pursued competitive hockey, playing with Brynäs IF at the J20 SuperElit level before continuing his own path in the Hockeyettan with IF Sundsvall Hockey. The brothers’ shared dedication to the game reflects a household environment that valued athletics and perseverance.
Path to Hockey
Sandström entered the professional pathway through the Brynäs IF organization, one of the most respected clubs in Swedish hockey. He made his Swedish Hockey League debut with Brynäs IF during the 2014–15 season, appearing in his first top-flight games as a teenager. The experience gave him exposure to high-level competition and helped him refine his technique under the pressure of senior play.
Following the 2016–17 season, Sandström chose to remain with Brynäs IF, accepting a one-year contract extension on 10 May 2017 to continue his development in a familiar environment. This decision reflected both his loyalty to the club and his commitment to sharpening his skills before pursuing opportunities abroad.
Felix Sandström Career
Early Career (2014–2018)
Sandström’s early professional years were spent developing his game within Swedish hockey. After his SHL debut with Brynäs IF in 2014–15, he continued to grow as a goaltender through the following campaigns. During the 2017–18 season, however, his role with Brynäs IF became limited, as he appeared in only eight games before the organization decided to move him.
On 12 February 2018, Sandström was transferred to fellow SHL club HV71 to secure more consistent playing time. The midseason move proved valuable, offering him the chance to face new opponents and adapt to a different system, which prepared him for the next stage of his career in North America.
Philadelphia Flyers Era (2018–2024)
Sandström signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on 27 March 2018, beginning his North American professional journey. Shortly after, on 31 March 2018, he joined the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, on a professional try-out basis for their postseason. This introduction to the North American style of play helped him adjust to smaller ice surfaces and faster game tempo.
On 8 June 2021, Sandström signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with the Flyers, signaling the organization’s continued confidence in his potential. The following seasons saw him split time between the NHL and AHL, building experience and waiting for his opportunity at the top level. For the 2022–23 season, Sandström was promoted to become the Flyers’ backup goaltender behind Carter Hart, marking his first full-time role as an NHL netminder and a defining achievement in his career.
Buffalo Sabres and Oulun Kärpät Era (2024–Present)
On 1 July 2024, Sandström signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Buffalo Sabres, expanding his NHL experience with a new organization. The move offered him a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot and contribute to a rebuilding franchise.
On 24 September 2025, Sandström signed with Oulun Kärpät of the Finnish Liiga, beginning a new chapter in his career in Finland. The transition back to European hockey allows him to take on a leading role with a respected Finnish club and continue refining his craft in a competitive top-tier league.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Sandström’s career is his 2015 NHL Draft selection by the Philadelphia Flyers, where he was taken 70th overall in the third round. His promotion to backup goaltender for the Flyers in 2022–23 represented another major milestone, confirming his status as a full-time NHL goaltender. His subsequent moves to the Buffalo Sabres and Oulun Kärpät further illustrate his adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges across different leagues.
Felix Sandström Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Felix Sandström shares a close athletic bond with his twin brother, Simon Sandström, who also pursued competitive ice hockey. Simon played at the J20 SuperElit level with Brynäs IF before continuing his career in the Hockeyettan with IF Sundsvall Hockey. The brothers’ parallel paths in the sport highlight a shared passion for hockey within the family.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Gävle, Sweden, Sandström continues to represent his Swedish roots throughout his professional journey. Details about his personal relationships and family life outside of hockey remain private, and he has not publicly disclosed information about a spouse or children.
2025 Season Performance
Sandström’s 2025 campaign began with a transition to a new league and country. After signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Buffalo Sabres on 1 July 2024, he spent the early part of the year competing in North America before making his move overseas. His signing with Oulun Kärpät on 24 September 2025 marked a fresh start in the Finnish Liiga, where he joined a club with a strong tradition of success.
As a goaltender, Sandström brings experience from both the SHL and NHL to the Liiga, offering Kärpät a proven presence between the pipes. His international background and ability to adapt to different styles of play position him as a valuable addition to the team’s roster. The 2025 season represents an important opportunity for him to establish himself as a leading goaltender in one of Europe’s top leagues.