Top 25 Under 25, no. 18: Mikael Wikstrand
Swedish defenceman Mikael Wikstrand continues his slow climb to number 18 in the Silver Seven Top 25 Under 25.
Mikael Wikstrand entered this list at 20th in January 2013 and after rising to 19th in August 2013 he has moved up one more spot to 18th this time around.
Drafted in the seventh round in 2012, Wikstrand first made himself known to Sens fans during the NHL lockout where he racked up 11 goals and 25 points in 45 games with Mora of the HockeyAllsvenskan, the second tier of Swedish hockey. While that team featured Anze Kopitar and Bobby Ryan, Wikstrand's quick start was before the NHL players showed up.
Wikstrand continued to put up strong offensive numbers in 2013-2014, with 20 points in 27 games before moving to Frölunda of the Swedish Hockey League and adding 11 points in 19 games of the Swedish top tier. He played every game of their first round loss, scoring two points in seven playoff games.
In May 2014, Wikstrand signed a three-year entry-level contract and he attended the Senators development camp for the second time. As he is not eligible for the AHL, Senators assistant general manager Randy Lee expects him to spend another season at Frölunda. While Wikstrand has put up a lot of points in Sweden, Lee describes him as a two-way defenceman. Given the play of Ottawa's young defenceman, Wikstrand could certainly have a chance to earn a spot in the organisation in the near future if his development continues as it has to this point.
