With Linus Soderstrom inked to an entry-level deal, the first of two notable goaltending prospects is closer to a North-American debut.
#isles sign G Linus Soderstrom to three year entry level deal.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) May 11, 2017
One down, one to go.
The New York Islanders took a step in the proper direction in net when Linus Soderstrom agreed to a three-year entry level deal. Before you write him off as “just another rookie that will get lost in the system”, consider this: Soderstrom broke the SHL record for lowest GAA in a season with 1.34. The previous owner of the record? Henrik Lundqvist with 1.45. Food for Thought.
Despite his hesitance to make the transition and play in the United States, he will definitely be with the team in training camp with a good chance of making the main camp as well. The most likely scenario is that he will be with the team after the 2017-2018 season if he decides to enter the AHL for a full season.
Soderstrom still likely to play in Sweden next season. But seems he'll be at prospect camp next month and possibly the main camp in the fall
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) May 11, 2017
Even him attending training camp is still notable, he always has the ability to change his mind if he feels he’s comfortable with the team. Below are some great examples of the Swede’s skill in net from last year’s IIHF World Junior Championship.
But forget about the notion that he, or other notable prospect Ilya Sorokin, start for the Islanders anytime soon. Both goalies, despite possessing a lot of skill, will still need a lot of refinement in the AHL.
IIHF
In the Ice Hockey World Championship, Brock Nelson and Anders Lee are helping Team USA to a second seed out of eight teams in Group A. Team USA has a record of 3-1-0 and both forwards have four points and three goals (3-1-4). Despite the other Islanders low +/- stat, Nelson is at a plus five.
For Team Germany…Thomas Griess has not fared well thus far, posting 4.96 GAA and an .876 save percentage. Dennis Seidenberg, the team captain, has not scored a goal through the first four games, only one of which was a win for Team Germany (1-3-0). Despite that, the veteran defenseman has scored five assists through four games (0-5-5).
For Team Canada…Calvin deHaan is enjoying a fairly successful campaign, with a plus four through four games and an assist.
Oh, and For Team Russia, Ilya Sorokin posted a shutout in his only appearance, making a laughable four saves.