2012-06-26 12:21:00 | Okategoriserat

Lindholm a Swedish surprise in the NHL-draft

While the Swedes were concentrated on celebrating "midsommar" with friends and family, there was a NHL Entry Draft taking place in Pittsburgh, PA, this weekend. And the biggest Scandinavian surprise during the event was perhaps that Anaheim Ducks selected Rögle BK:s defenseman Hampus Lindholm with the sixth overall pick.

"Hampus is a complete defenseman who plays with poise and passion," said Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray to the clubs website.

"We were thrilled to have the opportunity to select him at sixth overall this evening."

In total, 23 Swedes were picked by NHL-clubs which is just 5 less than the record (28) last year - a clear sign that Swedish Junior Hockey is moving in the right direction. 15 of the drafted Swedes represent teams from Elitserien while Danish goalkeeper Frederik Andersen, who played a crucial role in Frölunda advancing to the playoffs last year, was picked by Anaheim Ducks as 87:th player overall.

Here's a link to the complete draft results on NHL.com.

2012-06-19 15:06:00 | Okategoriserat

Påhlsson and Salak in - Joensuu out

With vacations just around the corner, Silly Season is entering a new phase. Two high profile transfers have been announced this week. On Monday, MODO communicated that Samuel Påhlsson has returned from Vancouver Canucks in NHL on a three year deal with the club from Örnsköldsvik.

And just a few hours ago, Färjestad announced goalkeeper Alexander Salak on a two year deal. Salak representented Färjestad already two seasons ago when the club was crowned Swedish Champions. His previous club was Chicago Blackhawks.

Alexander Salak in action. Photo: Anna-Lena Bergqvist / Pic-Agency

Two stars in - one star out. HV71:s power forward Jesse Joenssu has decided to return to New York Islanders on a one year deal. That means HV71 has began the chase for a replacement and according to sporting director Fredrik Stillman, three new forwards are yet to arrive.

2012-06-13 12:50:00 | Färjestad BK

Jonas Brodin to Minnesota Wild

Jonas Brodin, 18, leaves Färjestad BK to play for Minnesota Wild in the NHL next season, the Swedish club announced yesterday.

At the same time, Oscar Klefbom - picked in the first round 2011 - has signed a three year entry level contract with Edmonton Oilers. He will, unlike Brodin, stay for another season in Färjestad.

Both are 18 years old defencemen and they both played important roles in Team Sweden winning the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship in Edmonton and Calgary this winter.

2012-06-12 09:30:00 | Frölunda HC

New York Islanders sign Johan Sundström

Johan Sundström in action. Photo: Fredrik Sundvall / Pic-Agency.com

The New York Islanders have signed Johan Sundström. Frölunda´s forward has agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract. The Islanders selected Sundström in the second round, 50th overall, of the 2011 NHL Draft.

In 2011-12, 19-year-old Sundström scored 11 points in 49 games during his second season in Elitserien. Sundström also represented Sweden at the 2012 World Junior Championships, scoring five points in six games to help Sweden capture a gold medal.

2012-06-05 23:30:00 | Färjestad BK

Dallas Stars sign Cristopher Nihlstorp

Cristopher Nihlstorp. Photo: Simone Syversson / Pic Agency.com

Dallas Stars have signed goaltender Cristopher Nihlstorp to a one year, two-way contract. 28-year-old Nihlstorp has played the last four seasons in Elitserien, including the last two for Färjestad. He was one of the key players when Färjestad became Swedish champions 2011.

- Cristopher has been a successful goaltender in the Swedish Elite League. Aside from providing depth and stability for our system, we believe that he will have a chance to challenge for an NHL job at some point, says Dallas Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk to stars.nhl.com.