GKS Katowice has found its new goalie in Jesper Eliasson. The 25-year-old Swede played in the third level of Sweden in 2025. In 2018, the Detroit Red Wings drafted Eliasson with the 84th pick of the NHL entry draft. 

During his junior days, Eliasson was one of the top young goalies in Sweden. He made two IIHF appearances for his home country at the 2018 U18 World Championship and 2020 World Juniors. Since turning professional, he has bounced around teams and leagues, appearing for six teams across Sweden’s top three levels since 2020. The 6’3 goalie also spent one season in the ICEHL with the Austrian club EC Salzburg and had a season in Norway with Stjernen Hockey. 2025 was one of the best seasons of his career as he posted a .924 SV% and 1.81 GAA in 30 games with IF Troja-Ljungby. His numbers did take a slight dip in the playoffs, but he was still able to help his club earn promotion to the HockeyAllsvenskan. 

For GKS Katowice, this will be a big change in goal. The Tauron Hokej Liga runner-ups are moving on from Polish icon and longtime starter John Murray. The club will be hoping that Eliasson can repeat his success from Sweden’s third level and help bring the THL title back to Katowice. Eliasson will be the second Swede on the roster; he joins recently re-signed defenseman Albin Runesson. 

For Murray, with Katowice officially moving on, it means his long career in Poland is likely coming to an end. Currently, the only team expected to compete in the THL with an opening in net is KH Torun. The THL’s northernmost club and Murray are likely not a fit. If the 38-year-old wants to continue playing hockey, it will likely be outside of Poland.

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