Season Preview: Johan Sundstrom

Johan Sundstrom

Position: C

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 196 lbs

Birthdate: September 21st, 1992 (18 years old)

Birthplace: Goteborg, Sweden

Acquired: Draft, Round 2, 50th overall, 2011 NHL Entry Draft

2010-2011 Team: Frolunda (SEL)

2010-2011 Stats: 41 GP - 1 G - 0 A - 10 PIM

2011-2012 Team: Frolunda (SEL)

Team Role: 4th Line Center

Last year: Sundstrom played for a number of teams last year, including Frolunda of the Swedish Elite League, which is extremely impressive for an 18 year old kid. He played 41 games with the team, scoring only once in limited ice time. When he played against players in his age group, Sundstrom was dominant. He finished with 19 points in 15 games with the Frolunda U20 team. In the playoffs with the Frolunda U20 team, Sundstrom had 8 goals and 15 points in 7 games. Unfortunately, he did have an underwhelming WJC, finishing with only 1 point in 6 games. 

Expectations: Sundstrom will most likely play the season in the Swedish Elite League with Frolunda. It's important to remember that while he is a solid prospect, Frolunda has many veterans that will get playing time over him. Sundstrom will most likely play a 4th line role for the team, which is the role that most teenagers fill in the SEL. For example, David Ullstrom had a very solid season in the AHL last year after playing bottom line minutes for HV71. Recently, Sundstrom was part of a four-team international team tournament in Lake Placid. He was absolutely outstanding, finishing with 13 points in 5 games. A big key for Sundstrom will be how he performs at thw WJC U-20 this year. He will be expected to be a leader for Sweden as they strive to earn a medal this year. But for now, he will learn a lot as the SEL season is around the corner.

Projections: 44 GP - 3 G - 2 A - 5 P

Thoughts:

CH: When this pick was made, I thought the Isles reached a little for him. After seeing him play at the scrimmage in July, I thought there was some real validity in selecting him at 50. And then his performance at the Lake Placid tournament proved that notion. Against players his own age, Sundstrom is extremely effective. Given that he had a spot in the SEL last year, it's clear that the Frolunda organization saw something in him. He is driven by his hockey sense and ability around the net. While he does have pretty good speed, he will need to improve it a little bit. His size speaks for himself - already 6'3" and 196 pounds, he is a short time away from having an NHL body. Overall, he plays a very nice two-way game, which means that if a spot opens up on the Isles 3rd line in the future, he may end up being the guy to fill it.

AT: I as well thought choosing a checking center was a little bit of a stretch at 50, but as Carey mentioned his performance at the Lake Placid tournament proved he was worthy of that pick. 14 points in 5 games is not something you wouldn't bat an eye at. Sundstrom was also equally impressive at the Blue and White scrimmage earlier last month at Nassau Coliseum. It is clear he has the skills on him to succeed and much like the much earlier taken Mika Zibanejad, you can not rely on his stats in a professional league to see how he will play in the NHL. All of that comes down to professional scouting and actually watching the prospect play in real games against his own age group. As Sundstrom fills out and refines his skills, it will be exciting to see him develop. Expect him to spend 1 more year in the SEL and then head to the AHL barring no restrictions.