Niclas Andersen

History

Andersén was registered for 8 SEL games last season, but mostly spent his time playing junior hockey. He amassed 5 goals, 6 assists and 214 PIM in 36 games in the juniors. In April Andersén competed in his second U18 WJC tournament in a row and played on the top two pairings, while adding a goal and an assist in 6 games.

2006-07: Spent the majority of his season playing for Leksand of Tier II hockey in Sweden, registering three assists in 29 games.  Andresen also skated for Team Sweden in the U-19 and U-20 inernational tournaments but failed to score a goal.  Andresen’s contributions do not traslate to the scoresheet as has become more known for his physical defensive play than his ability (or lack thereof) to put the puck in the net.

2007-08: Andersen spent his first full season in the Swedish Elite League, skating for Brynas and adding only three assists in 38 games.  But his game is not one for offensive production.  Instead, the important note is that as a twenty year old, Andersen was trusted enough to play significant minutes in a league that leans heavily on established veterans.  Andersen was also named to Team Sweden for the U-20 WJC where he anchored the blueline and added two assists in six games.

2008-09: Continuing to solidify himself in the Swedish Elite League, Andersen skated the full season with Brynas, including all four of their playoff games, even though he has yet to score a goal in the top professional league in Sweden.  Performed as a defensive defenseman.

Talent Analysis

He is defensive minded that plays a really aggressive and physical. Andersén was considered to be among the top Swedish 88’s. Is very strong and pretty mobile as well. Plays the body when he has the chance to, but tends to take far too many holding and hooking penalties. Has looked decent at senior level, but gets sometimesover confident in his passing game at junior level.

Future

Joining Brynas of the Swedish Elite League was a huge step in Andersen's development.  He received his first full taste of playing against stiffer and, more importantly, stronger competition.  The lack of a transfer agreement between the NHL and Europe means that the Kings retain Andersen's rights until a new transfer agreement is created, but the Kings have shown little interest lately in bringing him to North America.  The recent influx of talent into Manchester could spell the end of Andersen's chances with the Kings.