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Swedish 2004 prospects, ranked 26-30

Written by: Johan Nilsson on 06/06/2004

#30 - Christopher Nilstorp

A skilled goalie with good size, Nilstorp started a couple of games in the SEL at the start of the season. Regular back-up Robert Borgqvist was injured and starter Andreas Hadelöv was somewhat inconsistent. Later he found himself playing mostly in the junior league with MIF Redhawks. He was quite surprisingly cut from the WJC-team as Joakim Lundström and Magnus Åkerlund were selected to represent Sweden. Overall Nilstorp has come off a strong season being among the very best goalies in the junior league. With his large frame he covers the net well, he is good at reading plays and has often a small advantage seeing the puck as he catches right. Next season Nilstorp will play in the Swedish second tier league with Mörrum. MIF have sent him on loan to Mörrum and he should see a good development facing plenty of shots each game.

#29 - Alexander Edler

Edler is among the lesser known prospects eligible for the draft. He has spent the season playing for Jämtland in the Swedish third tier league, but just recently agreed to play for MODO in the junior league next season. Edler received quite a bit of attention with his impressive play with Jämtland and with his large frame and strength he could become quite the force in the junior league. Furthermore he is technically skilled, reads the game well and is a very good passer. He is offensive minded and does not hesitate to join the rush.

#28 - Per Savilahti-Nagander

A huge defenseman that was dressed at 17 occasions in the SEL this season (12 times during the regular season, 5 times in the playoffs). Savilahti-Nagander has established himself as a top defenseman in the Swedish junior league and his play has been enough impressive for Luleå to sign him to a two-year SEL contract. While his enormous size and strength stands out Savilahti-Nagander is much more than that. He is an all-round defenseman, good defensively but also gifted and dangerous in the offensive zone. He has a good release from the blue, moves the puck well and is an authority on the ice with is play. Savilahti-Nagander is not easy to beat with his hockey smarts and great reach and has definitely the tools to become a quality defenseman in the SEL very shortly. He will be among the more interesting rookies as the 2004-05 season starts and a hot candidate to make the Swedish WJC-team.

#27 - Viktor Lindgren

Looking at raw skill and offensive instincts Lindgren is right up there with the best Swedish players eligible for the draft. He has however not progressed exactly as expected. He has come off a rather average season with Luleå in the junior league, but still managed to score 6 goals and 11 games. Lindgren also represented the Swedish U18-team in the World Junior Championships where he added 2 assists in 6 games.

He can be described as a quite flashy and speedy player with fine offensive skills. Lindgren has a lot of raw potential and the skill to become a consistent scorer in the future. He skates hard, has good hockey sense but is sometimes a bit too puck happy. Defensively there is also room for improvement although Lindgren is not a major liability in any way. At 5'10" he is a smallish winger and though he improved his strength this season he still needs to become stronger, especially to handle the play in the Swedish Elite League.