DALLAS, Tx.- The Dallas Stars entered the first round of the NHL 2018 Draft with the 13th pick overall following last year’s first round third overall pick. The selection gave Dallas their ninth first round Top 15 pick in the last ten years of the draft.
Photo credit: https://fanadiens.com/blog/2018/03/17/isac-lundestrom-un-joueur-complet/ Photo Credit shl.se
With their first round pick, Dallas selected Isac Lundestrom of Sweden. Lundestrom anchored Sweden’s top line in the World Junior Hockey Championship that was held in Buffalo in January. At the tournament, Lundestrom posted 2-0-2 in seven games with one of those goals being a game winner helping to lead Sweden to a second place finish only losing to Canada in the Gold Medal round and skating away with a Silver Medal.
“He has the skills to make plays and he reads the ice really well, sees openings,” said Sweden World Junior Championship coach Tomas Monten. “I think he has some work to do on his strengths, but as far as the game goes I think he’s smart, can play both ends of the ice and he can play center and wing.”
With the Stars missing post season play for the second consecutive year, Dallas was seeking to add some offensive touch with the selection of Lundestrom. The former LW who was moved to center this past season played in 42 games for Lulea Hockey of the SHL scoring 6-9-15 for a +7, an improvement from the 2016 – 2017 where he only put up 3-3-6 in 45 games for a –5.
Lundestrom was one of 104 players invited to the 2018 NHL Scouting Combine. When asked about his week for testing at the combine, Lundestrom stated, “Pretty good week. It’s a lot of experience to be here and it’s very exciting and there’s a lot of different things than back home in Sweden.” He continued, “A lot of media and all the stuff around I had 25 or 27 interviews and they were good. They said a lot of the same things.”
“I like to get the puck into the zone and work down from there, be strong on the puck and strong of my skates,” Lundestrom said. “I’m more of a playmaker. I like watching Connor McDavid (Oilers) or Sydney Crosby (Penguins) when they have the puck. They’re always searching for a good play and they make their teammates better. That’s how I want to play.”
Lundestrom has a good shot when he decides to fire the puck. He often looks for a pass even when he should shoot, instead setting up teammates for a chance.
Photo credit: https://sports.yahoo.com/2018-nhl-draft-profile-isac-022414927.html AP Images
He’s got an excellent combination of speed and skills with excellent offensive instincts,” said Goran Stubb, NHL Director of European Scouting. “He has smooth hands, is very good with the puck and knows when to move the puck quickly or when to be patient with it.”
“Lundestrom has room for improvement,” Lulea coach Thomas Berglund said, “Where he needs to improve are his face-offs to really be the first choice as a center forward when the game is on the line.”
Lulea general manager Stefan Nilsson said of Lundestrom, “He is looking to improve each day he takes the ice.”
Lundestrom who will turn 19 in November may be a bit rough around the edges but will need a bit of time to improve his game before moving onto the next level. More than likely, Lundestrom said will remain in Sweden which would allow him to season his game.
Lundestrom may not be flashiest of players. He does small things right on the ice and is the kind of player that will grow on those watching him.
From all that can be learned about Lundestrom, he appears to be a solid fit for Dallas in the near future.
“With the 13th pick in the NHL Entry Draft, the Dallas Stars select Isac Lundestrom from Sweden.”
Story by PHN Contributor Brian McLean
Additional Resources
DallasMorningNew.com
NHL.com
HabsEyeOnThePrize.com
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