Euro Prospect Update: Checking in on Sweden
With November in the rear-view mirror, we look at how the Sens' European prospects are doing in the Swedish Hockey League
Andreas Englund:
He started off the season playing big minutes for Djurgarden, but his ice time has started to slip recently. He only picked up one assist in nine games this month, but offense isn't really Englund's role. He ranks third on his team in hits and first among defencemen. It is good to see that he is playing a physical role on the team while not picking up any penalties in the month of November. Englund was also one of eight defencemen chosen for Sweden's World Junior Selection Camp. With both Englund and Nick Paul gearing up for the World Juniors, we will have a few players to keep an eye on this holiday season.
Mikael Wikstrand:
Wikstrand leads Frolunda in ice-time on a nightly basis, averaging more than 20 minutes per night on defence. Unlike Englund, Wikstrand is more of a speed and positioning style of defenceman, but with a bit more of an offensive upside. He recorded a goal and four assists in eight games in November. Frolunda leads the league with a record of 19-6-3. I believe it's good for Wikstrand's development to be part of a winning environment and we can only hope that those good vibes follow him to the North American game.
Marcus Hogberg:
Hogberg had a record of 1-2-1 in the month of November with Linkoping. That included a 21-save 4-0 shutout win over Djurgarden. He has been a backup in most games so far, but has looked good when called upon. He has a .911 save percentage and a 2.43 GAA. When he comes over to North America, he will have to get used to facing more shots as a Senator goalie because he is currently only facing an average of 24 shots a night. Hopefully Hogberg will get some more starts going forward and develop into a goalie who could have an impact in the Senators organization.
