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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jets Defensive Prospect Puts Up Positive Results In First Professional Season; Tougher Challenges Await Next Season
Alfons Freij / Winnipeg Jets defensive prospect Alfons Freij completed his first season of professional hockey, putting up positive results. The 19-year-old scored two goals and added eight points in 29 games for IF Björklöven in HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden's second-tier league. HockeyAllsvenskan has proved to be a great league for developing young prospects. Advertisement Freij will make his SHL debut next season, playing with Timrå IK, a team featuring several NHL-affiliated prospects and former NHLer Magnus Pääjärvi. The Jets selected Freij with the 37th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. The second-round pick was the first selection made by the Jets, and the Jets were given plenty of praise for the selection. Listed at 6'1, 196 lbs, Freij is a wonderful skater with strong offensive instincts. He's known for his playmaking ability, and he's beginning to round out his defensive game. His excellent skating is highlighted by both the speed he generates, but also his edge work. He can distribute his weight onto either foot, which makes him a handful for forwards to cover when engaging on the forecheck or trying to defend him at their blue line. His skating and frame should allow him to continue to develop defensively while maintaining his outstanding transition ability. Freij was left off of Sweden's World Junior team this season but will likely play a large role at this year's event. With Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Tom Willander, Theo Lindstein, and Rasmus Bergqvist all aging out of the tournament, roster spots are open for the taking, and Freij looks prepared to take over. Advertisement Although he is still 2-3 years away from fighting for a roster spot on the Jets, Freij is trending in the right direction. Another season or two playing in the SHL will be great for his development before he transitions to North American professional hockey with the Manitoba Moose in the AHL, following a similar path to Elias Salomonsson, who looks poised to crack the Jets roster sometime soon. Stay updated with the most interesting Jets stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story. Jets Lose Forward Rasmus Kupari to Switzerland Jets Lose Forward Rasmus Kupari to Switzerland Winnipeg Jets forward Rasmus Kupari has opted to continue his professional career overseas. Jets Prospect Jacob Julien Wins Memorial Cup With London Knights Jets Prospect Jacob Julien Wins Memorial Cup With London Knights Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Julien took home the Memorial Cup with the London Knights last night, defeating the Medicine Hat Tigers in the finals.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Tom Willander Projected To Sign With The Canucks This Season
Vancouver Canucks fans could be getting their first look at a top prospect before the 2024-25 season is over. According to Rick Dhaliwal of "Donnie and Dhali," Tom Willander will be turning pro this year and is expected to sign his entry-level contract once his NCAA season is complete. The 19-year-old right-shot defender was drafted 11th overall by the Canucks in 2023 and has spent the last two years at Boston University. Latest From : Canucks Trade Mark Friedman For Future Considerations "We All Know What Talent He Has And What He's Capable Of": Canucks GM Details What Elias Pettersson Needs To Do To Reach His Potential "Expectations Are High": Marcus Pettersson Speaks On Signing Long-Term With The Canucks "The next defenceman signing for the Canucks will be Tom Willander, out of Boston University in a few weeks," said Dhaliwal during his radio hit on Sportsnet 650 Friday morning. "I'll be shocked if he doesn't sign. With Elias Pettersson, the defenceman showing so much promise, the Canucks could have, I mean, this is could have three drafted defensemen on their roster next year." This is what's so impressive about Tom the offender carrying all the momentum, Willander doesn't give an inch, keeping him to the outside, thanks to his tremendous mobility and aggression. #Canucks — Dave Hall (@davehall1289) February 8, 2025 Willander is considered one of the best-drafted prospects currently playing outside the NHL. He was ranked 14th on Craig Button's Top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects list, which also included Jonathan Lekkerimäki, who was ranked 11th. On top of a successful NCAA career, Willander has been a key piece of Sweden's World Junior team the last two years, recording eight points in 14 games while picking up a Silver Medal in University's regular season is scheduled to end on March 8, 2025, while the final date of the Frozen Four is set for April 12, 2025. If Boston University makes it to the final, Willander would only be available for two regular season games, with his potential debut being April 14, 2025, against the San Jose Sharks. This season, Boston University is 15-9-1 and is the eighth-ranked team in D1 NCAA hockey. Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through
