Adam Almquist

History

2008-09: Adam Almquist played for HV 71 in the Swedish junior league.

The last choice in the 2009 draft.

2009-10: Almquist skated in 15 games with HV71’s junior team in Sweden and scored 5 goals, 29 assists for 34 points. He was called up to make his SEL debut and appeared in 28 games with HV71. Though he scored just 2 goals and 6 assists during the regular season, the blueliner stepped up during the squad’s run to the Elitserien Championship with 1 goal, 10 assists in 16 playoff games. His 11 postseason points led all SEL defensemen. Almquist also appeared in 4 games during the year with Sweden’s U18 team, scoring 2 goals, 2 assists for 4 points.

2010-11: Almquist spent the whole year on HV-71’s main roster, where he posted no goals and 16 assists in 52 games. He played two playoff games with the team where he went scoreless. Almquist was left off Sweden’s WJC team in his second year of eligibility. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with Detroit in May 2011.

2011-12: Almquist made his North American debut – skating in three AHL games with Grand Rapids at the end of the season – after skating for HV 71 in the Swedish Elitserien. He was minus-one with no points or penalty minutes in limited ice time with the Griffins. Almquist scored 3 goals with 8 assists and was plus-16 with 26 penalty minutes; averaging 13:36 minutes per game with HV 71. After finishing third in the regular season, HV71 was eliminated by Farjestads in the playoff quarterfinals. In three playoff games Almquist had 1 assist and was plus-three.

2012-13: Almquist was the second-leading scorer amongst defensemen for Detroit AHL affiliate Grand Rapids in his first pro season in North America. He scored 10 goals with 21 assists and had 34 penalty minutes in 68 games and was +13, trailing only team leader Jan Mursak (+15). The Griffins finished first in the Midwest Division and captured the Calder Cup championship. Almquist played in the team’s first 21 playoff games before suffering an injury after crashing into the boards in Game 3 of the finals against Syracuse. He scored 3 goals with 7 assists and was +5 with 12 penalty minutes.

Talent Analysis

Almqvist is a mobile defender with not a lot of size. His greatest asset is his hockey sense, which is said to be through the roof. He possesses a great deal of control with the puck and makes smart offensive decisions. Offensive capabilities extend to quartrbacking the powerplay. Still slight of frame, but defensive coverage skills are improving.

Future

Almquist will be a key member of the Grand Rapids Griffins' bluelin in 2013-14.