Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of Carolina Hurricanes.com
- Name: Magnus Akerlund
- Position: G
- Catches: Right
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 187 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-04-25
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Osby, Sweden
- Acquired: 5th round (#137 overall), 2004
- Playing In: Europe
Magnus Akerlund
Prospect Grade: 5.5 D (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2003-04: Åkerlund was expected to become HV 71’s next star goalie and had a strong season. He was a starter in the juniors and arguably the best goalie in the league. Åkerlund also represented Sweden at the U18 World Junior Championships as well as at the U20 World Junior Championships.
2006-07: The Hurricanes brass is excited about this Swedish netminder one day coming to North America, but in the meantime, Akerlund continues to progress in fits and starts in Europe. He finally made it back to the Swedish Elite League, appearing in a total of 11 games for HV71 Jonkoping after last dressing for the SEL team for three games in 2004-05. That was after Akerlund began the year with Division 1 team Skovde IK, where he played the bulk of the season. There he had 32 appearances, a 2.08 goals against average, and a .927 save percentage. The right-handed catching goalie is currently the backup for HV71 and has, by all accounts, played well when called on during his team’s championship run.
2007-08: Akerlund split his time between Sundsvall in the Swedish second league (five games played, 3.15 goals against average and .903 save percentage) and Timrå of the SEL (nine games, 2.93 GAA and .882 save percentage).
Talent Analysis
Being of good size one of Åkerlund’s strengths is to cover net. He makes himself look big in goal and shooters have difficulties finding openings. The fact that he catches right is an advantage simply because opponents are more used to facing goalies that use their left hand. Åkerlund has quick reflexes and is very agile considering his large frame.
Future
Akerlund is close to earning a top job in the Swedish Elite League, but will likely need to come to North America and play in the minors if he’s to ever have a shot at cracking the Hurricanes lineup.
Stats
Profile Last Updated: August, 26th 2008
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