Oscar Moller

History

2006-07: A shifty product from Stockholm, Sweden, Moller made a huge impression in his rookie campaign in the WHL. Chosen in the import draft by general manager Darrell May on the advice of high performance skating instructor Steve Serdachny of Edmonton, Moller delivered a consistent offensive performance for an expansion team that earned a playoff berth in its first season. Moller scored 32 goals and 69 points in 68 games. He was named player of the game for Team White at the Top Prospects game and is sure to be a fixture for Team Sweden at the next two WJC’s. 

2007-08: The right wing turned in an impressive post-draft season and represented Team Sweden at the U-20 World Juniors Championships in January.  At one point this season, Moller led the WHL in points and all of the CHL in goals scored before coming back down to Earth in the second half of the season.  Even when not producing at a top pace, Moller remained a team leader both for Chilliwack and Team Sweden.  At the conclusion of Chilliwack’s season, Moller signed an ATO with the AHL Manchester Monarchs to finish the season, appearing in two games.  With at least another season of major junior eligibility left, Moller is bound for the WHL next year.

2008-09: Moller was one of the early surprises in making the NHL squad straight out of training camp ahead of more experienced prospects like Brian Boyle and Ted Purcell.  He jumped out of the gates, scoring 13 points in his first 26 games.  He sustained a shoulder injury as captain for Team Sweden during the U20 WJC which would cause him to miss nearly two months of the season and slow the momentum he had built early in his career.  Never fully regaining form after the injury, Moller would finish out the season scoring only 2 points in his final 14 games.

* Read this Hockey’s Future article on Oscar Moller

Talent Analysis

Moller responded well to the rigors and physical play of the WHL, due in part to his on-ice vision and anticipation. As captain of the U18 World Junior Championship for Team Sweden in 2007, Moller has shown the competitive nature, grit and leadership expected from someone relied upon by an entire team.  He is a solid two-way player and can be characterized as a “heart and soul” type with a tremendous shot.

Future

He projects as a gritty two-way forward that usually fits well as a compliment in a top six role.  I