Untitled Document
Below is a
look at the U20 players that will defend Sweden's colors in the upcoming WJC tournament.
One defenseman will be cut from this team before the tournament starts.
The stats displayed are from the current season.
G - Christopher Heino-Lindberg
BORN:
1985-01-29
SHOOTS:
R
HEIGHT:
6'0
WEIGHT:
161 lbs
DRAFTED:
Selected 2003 by Montreal round 6 #177 overall
Heino-Lindberg is a quite spectacular goaltender with very impressive reflexes. He does most things fairly well and is a real tough competitor. This season he has been very successful in the Swedish second tier league with Hammarby, a slightly above average team. Heino-Lindberg has in fact started all of Hammarby's games this season and is expected to be Sweden's starter in the tournament.
Team
League
GP
GAA
SVS%
Hammarby
Tier II
27
1.72
.929
Sweden U20
International
3
1.00
.964
G - David Rautio
BORN:
1985-07-08
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
5'11
WEIGHT:
159 lbs
While Heino-Lindberg is an aggressive netminder, Rautio is more calm in net. He is a surprisingly good stickhandler, has good rebound control and covers the net with ease. Rautio has been tremendous in the juniors with Luleå's U20 team and he was equally impressive in the U20 tournament held in Växjö, Sweden, last month. The most likely scenario is that Rautio will be the back-up, but he is good enough to start and could possibly share the job.
Team
League
GP
GAA
SVS%
Luleå U20
Junior League
11
1.27
.942
Piteå
Tier II
2
3.57
.908
Sweden U20
International
2
0.96
.971
D - Stefan Erkgärds
BORN:
1985-03-23
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'0
WEIGHT:
185 lbs
Erkgärds was among the last defensemen to make the team. He has showed little offensive instincts internationally, but has been very sound in his own end and made few mistakes. Erkgärds is not flashy at all, but he plays smart, simple and reads the game well.
He has been playing quite convincingly with Bofors in the second tier league, despite only picking up 2 assists in 25 games.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Bofors
Tier II
25
0
2
2
12
Sweden U20
International
4
0
0
0
6
D - Johan Fransson
BORN:
1985-02-18
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'1
WEIGHT:
183 lbs
DRAFTED:
Selected 2004 by Dallas round 2 #34 overall
By far the fastest and most offensively skilled defenseman on the
team, Fransson will lead the Swedish power play and the opposing teams will have to watch out when Fransson joins the rush. He is quite complete as a defenseman, having improved his defensive game considerably and not showing any major weaknesses on the ice. The only thing missing right now is consistent productivity as Fransson, despite having his share of scoring chances this season, only has 4 assists in 26 games with Luleå, and more surprisingly is scoreless through
six U20 games with team Sweden.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Luleå
SEL
26
0
4
4
22
Sweden U20
International
6
0
0
0
2
D - Elias Granath
BORN:
1985-09-06
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'2
WEIGHT:
190 lbs
DRAFTED:
Selected 2003 by Dallas round 6 #196 overall
A two way defenseman with good size and a powerful
release, Granath is good all-round, but has been somewhat inconsistent in his play with the Swedish junior team. He sometimes tends to overwork the puck in his own end, and for some reason seems to struggle controlling the puck behind his own
goal. Overall a capable defenseman, but only a depth defenseman on a roster like this one.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Leksand
Tier II
23
3
3
6
24
Sweden U20
International
6
0
0
0
8
D - Nicklas Grossman
BORN:
1985-01-22
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'4
WEIGHT:
201 lbs
DRAFTED:
Selected 2004 by Dallas round 2 #56 overall
The captain, the leader and next to Johan Fransson,
Grossman is the most important defenseman on the team. He has great size, strength, reach and is also the most physical player on the team. He has good timing in his hits, but sometimes tends to take too many holding penalties. Grossman has improved his offensive game significantly this season, but it is still likely that he will develop into a stay-at-home defenseman.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Södertälje
SEL
21
0
1
1
6
Södertälje U20
Junior League
9
2
4
6
6
Sweden U20
International
7
0
2
2
18
D - Oscar Hedman
BORN:
1986-04-21
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'0
WEIGHT:
212 lbs
DRAFTED:
Selected 2004 by Washington round 5 #132 overall
Hedman is a very solid and strong defenseman. He is good offensively, but at this point perhaps more important defensively. Despite being physically strong, Hedman does not play overly physical and instead uses his great hockey sense to solve tricky situations. He has been doing fairly well with MODO in the SEL this season and
his excellent passing game will come in handy on the power play.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
MODO
SEL
26
1
3
4
14
Sweden U20
International
7
1
0
1
4
D - Per Savilahti-Nagander
BORN:
1985-04-22
SHOOTS:
R
HEIGHT:
6'4
WEIGHT:
214 lbs
The biggest defenseman on the
team, after a slow start this season, Savilahti-Nagander has bounced back and recently played as a regular with Luleå in the SEL. Savilahti-Nagander is quite complete and to go with his passing game and powerful shot, he plays an impressive positional play and is quite tough to beat one-on-one. Savilahti-Nagander has surprisingly been overlooked in the draft for the last
two years, but should have a good shot at being drafted if he has a good tourney.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Luleå
SEL
13
0
0
0
8
Luleå U20
Junior League
4
0
4
4
6
Piteå
Tier II
16
1
5
6
18
Sweden U20
International
3
0
0
0
0
D - Anton Strålman
BORN:
1986-08-01
SHOOTS:
R
HEIGHT:
6'0
WEIGHT:
176 lbs
Last season Strålman stood out playing in the Swedish third tier league. But getting little attention there, Strålman decided to opt out of the draft in order to improve his stock this season. So far it has been a very good decision since he has been very productive in the second tier league, and played well enough with team Sweden to make this team. Strålman is an offensive minded defenseman that is quite willing to release his slapper and he has an above average passing game to go with his shot. He has had some problems with the physical aspect of the game though.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Skövde IK
Tier II
27
7
4
11
18
Sweden U20
International
6
0
1
1
2
D - Ola Svanberg
BORN:
1985-06-10
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
5'11
WEIGHT:
190 lbs
Svanberg is a very underrated defenseman. He has this season become a regular in the Swedish Elite League and is playing
convincingly. Svanberg reminds one a lot of Johan Fransson, which means that he is also a good skater, very willing to join the rush and has a fine passing game. Svanberg is also reliable defensively, has a very obvious urge to win and admirable leadership skills.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
HV 71
SEL
27
0
3
3
12
HV 71 U20
Junior League
3
0
1
1
6
Sweden U20
International
6
0
4
4
10
F - Nicklas Bergfors
BORN:
1987-03-07
SHOOTS:
R
HEIGHT:
5'11
WEIGHT:
192 lbs
The most talked about Swedish prospect eligible for the 2005 NHL Entry
Draft, Bergfors is a very complete player. He is a fine skater, has a quick release, above average technical skills and enjoys playing the body. Bergfors has as a rookie seen limited ice time with Södertälje in the SEL, but when
on the ice he has definitely not looked out of place. He displayed great chemistry with Islanders prospect Robert Nilsson a month ago, and those two should
be a treat to watch in the tournament.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Södertälje
SEL
20
1
0
1
2
Södertälje U20
Junior League
8
8
5
13
0
Sweden U20
International
7
2
0
2
6
F - Loui Eriksson
BORN:
1985-07-17
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'2
WEIGHT:
181 lbs
DRAFTED:
Selected 2003 by Dallas round 2 #33 overall
Eriksson is a complete two-way forward that is mostly
recognized for excellent skating skills and scoring mentality. Eriksson has played well this season with Frölunda in the SEL, usually playing with NHLers PJ Axelsson and Samuel Påhlsson. With 8 points in 25 games, he leads all players under the age of 20 in points in the SEL, and Eriksson is among those that will have to produce in order for Sweden to celebrate any success.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Frölunda
SEL
25
3
5
8
4
Sweden U20
International
7
3
1
4
6
F - David Fredriksson
BORN:
1985-10-04
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'4
WEIGHT:
209 lbs
DRAFTED:
Selected 2004 by St. Louis round 7 #211 overall
Great size and strength on this hard-playing role player. Fredriksson is however a somewhat inconsistent player. Sometimes he is less visible and seems very slow on his skates, only to show a great drive in the next game. He is not a big time scorer, but has a decent shot and technical skills. Fredriksson will play on Sweden's top line which also includes towers Carl Söderberg and Linus Videll.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
HV 71
SEL
18
0
0
0
0
HV 71 U20
Junior League
14
6
2
8
36
Mörrum
Tier II
2
1
0
1
2
Sweden U20
International
7
1
4
5
16
F - Mattias Hellström
BORN:
1986-06-18
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'1
WEIGHT:
190 lbs
Hellström
was surprisingly not drafted this past summer and now he is proving the scouts wrong making the Swedish
WJC team, and actually being a quite important piece of the puzzle. Hellström is a more than capable two-way center, who is especially reliable defensively. He is also a strong playmaker and does not mind heavy traffic.
His offensive upside is still a question mark, but his productivity has improved considerably this season.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
MODO
SEL
2
0
0
0
0
MODO U20
Junior League
14
6
12
18
0
Tegs SK
Tier II
4
0
2
2
0
Sweden U20
International
5
0
0
0
0
F - Sebastian Karlsson
BORN:
1986-09-19
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'0
WEIGHT:
187 lbs
Karlsson
is perhaps the most surprising selection on this team since he has not seen any senior ice time at all this season. However, he has been very good in the juniors with Frölunda. Sebastian, the younger brother of Kings draftee Jens Karlsson, is a smooth-skating two-way center with good technical skills and an above average passing game. He works hard and is very reliable in his own end.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Frölunda J20
SuperElit
17
12
11
23
28
Sweden U20
International
3
0
0
0
4
F - Robert Nilsson
BORN:
1985-01-10
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
5'10
WEIGHT:
181 lbs
DRAFTED:
Selected 2003 by NY Islanders round 1 #15 overall
Nilsson has been struggling with Djurgården this season, but he was very good with team Sweden a month ago in Växjö, Sweden. Nilsson is a more complete player now than last year, when he still led the Swedish team in points. He works harder now and has improved his defensive game enough to occasionally get ice time in shorthanded situations. Offensively there are few players in this year's WJC tournament that can match Nilsson's technical skills, dekes and playmaking ability.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Djurgården
SEL
14
0
1
1
6
Djurgården U20
Junior League
5
7
2
9
10
Hammarby
Swe-2
6
0
4
4
4
Sweden U20
International
6
6
2
8
4
F - Kalle Olsson
BORN:
1985-01-31
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'0
WEIGHT:
176 lbs
DRAFTED:
Selected 2003 by Edmonton round 5 #147 overall
Olsson is a hardworking role player that has been unpredictably productive with the Swedish junior team this season. He is basically a very complete forward that skates and checks hard. Olsson's offensive upside is nothing to write home about, but attitude, heart and determination makes him a valuable member on this team.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Frölunda U20
Junior League
17
7
11
18
32
Växjö Lakers
Tier II
2
0
1
1
0
Sweden U20
International
6
2
3
5
6
F - Linus Persson
BORN:
1985-12-29
SHOOTS:
R
HEIGHT:
5'11
WEIGHT:
165 lbs
Persson
opted out of the draft this summer after being disappointed with his past campaign. So far, this season is not going any better for "LP" who was likely among the last ones to make this team. He did not crack Hammarby's second tier league roster and has spent the last couple of weeks with AIK in the Swedish third tier league. Persson is good at setting up plays and has above average technical skills. He has great hockey sense and takes good care of his defensive
responsibilities.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Hammarby
Tier II
12
0
1
1
2
Hammarby U20
Junior League
7
4
4
8
6
AIK
Tier III
4
3
2
5
2
Sweden U20
International
7
0
1
1
2
F - Johannes Salmonsson
BORN:
1986-02-07
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'2
WEIGHT:
187 lbs
DRAFTED:
Selected 2004 by Pittsburgh round 2 #31 overall
The arguably fastest skater on the team, Salmonsson
has had a tough season. On draft day Salmonsson promised the Penguins to be more productive this season, but that has not been the case. Just like Robert Nilsson Salmonsson has found him himself sitting on the bench in Djurgården with the likes of Mariucz Czerkawski, Nils Ekman and Marcus Nilson 'stealing' ice time. Luckily, he is currently on loan with Almtuna where he gets much more ice.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Djurgården
SEL
14
0
2
2
4
Djurgården U20
Junior League
2
0
0
0
2
Almtuna
Tier II
5
0
1
1
0
Sweden U20
International
5
1
1
2
0
F - Björn Svensson
BORN:
1986-06-16
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'0
WEIGHT:
187 lbs
Eighteen-year-old Björn Svensson has hardly been spectacular with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL, but
since the tournament is held in North America, the selection of Svensson could turn out to be pretty important. He is a smart player with quick feet and good playmaking ability. Svensson having a major scoring role on this team would however be very surprising.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Saskatoon Blades
WHL
30
3
8
11
6
Sweden U20
International
3
0
0
0
2
F - Carl Söderberg
BORN:
1985-10-12
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'3
WEIGHT:
203 lbs
DRAFTED:
Selected 2004 by St. Louis round 2 #49 overall
Söderberg
isan offensive force, but at the same time a very good defensive player. Offensively, he is an excellent stickhandler, passer and he has a nose for the net. Defensively he plays with great intensity and is arguably the best penalty killer on this Swedish team. This season Söderberg has seen inconsistent ice time in the SEL, been dominant in the second tier league and in the juniors, and been overall the best forward on the Swedish U20 team. Expect him to challenge Robert Nilsson and Loui Eriksson for the scoring lead.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Malmö
SEL
24
0
4
4
4
Malmö U20
Junior League
2
3
1
4
2
Mörrum
Tier II
9
3
4
7
6
Sweden U20
International
7
5
3
8
6
F - Linus Videll
BORN:
1985-05-05
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'3
WEIGHT:
212 lbs
DRAFTED:
Selected 2003 by Colorado round 7 #204 overall
Videll is
the third link of Sweden's top line which also includes David Fredriksson and Carl Söderberg.
He is not the best skater, but he has a good scoring instinct, great strength and size and has good work ethics. Only Robert Nilsson has scored more goals (6) than Videll with team Sweden this season.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Södertälje U20
Junior League
4
1
2
3
0
Halmstad
Tier II
18
3
3
6
4
Sweden U20
International
7
5
2
7
0
F - Daniel Åhsberg
BORN:
1985-04-14
SHOOTS:
L
HEIGHT:
6'0
WEIGHT:
174 lbs
Åhsberg was startlingly overlooked in the draft this past summer, but with the season he is currently having some team will have to pick up his rights next year. Åhsberg, who is a speedy, technically skilled winger with a sniper's touch, has been averaging 2 points per game in the juniors, and with 22 goals and 33 points in 17 games he leads the league in those two categories. Åhsberg, who still needs to add more
muscle, has also been doing well with team Sweden and should be counted on to chip in offensively in the tournament.
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
Frölunda
SEL
1
0
0
0
0
Frölunda U20
SuperElit
17
22
11
33
14
Växjö Lakers
Tier II
2
1
0
1
0
Sweden U20
International
7
2
2
4
0
Top skaters
- Johannes Salmonsson
- Johan Fransson
- Loui Eriksson
Top hitters
- Nicklas Grossman
- David Fredriksson
- Robert Nilsson
Top leaders
- Nicklas Grossman
- Ola Svanberg
- Mattias Hellström
Top offensive defensemen
- Johan Fransson
- Ola Svanberg
- Oscar Hedman
Top defensive defensemen
- Nicklas Grossman
- Oskar Hedman
- Stefan Erkgärds
Most flashy defensemen
- Johan Fransson
- Ola Svanberg
- Per Savilahti-Nagander
Most solid defensemen
- Oscar Hedman
- Nicklas Grossman
- Stefan Erkgärds
Top offensive forwards
- Robert Nilsson
- Carl Söderberg
- Loui Eriksson
Top defensive forwards
- Carl Söderberg
- Mattias Hellström
- Kalle Olsson
Best goal scoring ability
- Robert Nilsson
- Loui Eriksson
- Daniel Åhsberg
Top passing forwards
- Carl Söderberg
- Robert Nilsson
- Nicklas Bergfors
Top passing defensemen
- Ola Svanberg
- Oscar Hedman
- Johan Fransson
Most explosive forwards
- Carl Söderberg
- Loui Eriksson
- Nicklas Bergfors
Most flashy forwards
- Robert Nilsson
- Daniel Åhsberg
- Carl Söderberg
Best technical skills among forwards
- Robert Nilsson
- Carl Söderberg
- Daniel Åhsberg
Best work-ethicsamong forwards
- Mattias Hellström
- Kalle Olsson
- Sebastian Karlsson
Top penalty killers
- Carl Söderberg
- Mattias Hellström
- Johannes Salmonsson
Best slap-shot
- Per Savilahti-Nagander
- Elias Granath
- Linus Videll
Best wrist-shot
- Carl Söderberg
- Daniel Åhsberg
- Robert Nilsson
Copyright 2004 Hockey’s Future. Do not reprint or otherwise duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.
