Antti Pihlstrom

History

2006-07: Ranked third in goals and fifth in points (16 goals, 39 points) with Finland’s HPK Hameenlinna in 2006-07. Ranked third in playoff points (8) with Hameenlinna.

Pihlstrom was nearly 23 when he came to North America, signed as a free agent.

2007-08: Pihlstrom had his first taste of North American hockey this season, both in the NHL and AHL. He appeared in one game for Nashville before being sent back to Milwaukee for the final 78 games of the season. The winger put up a career-high 45 points (27g+18a) in his first season as a pro, proving that he could make the switch from the European style he had been playing back in Finland. The forward also represented team Finland at the WC, registering seven points in nine games.

Returned to Europe for 2009-10 season.

Talent Analysis

Though a bit shorter than the protypical NHL wingers, Pihlstrom is comfortable with physical play but also is a skilled stickhandler and playmaker.