Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, Barclays Center, 2015, 2016
Brad Penner - USA TODAY Sports Images

With Linus Soderstrom inked to an entry-level deal, the first of two notable goaltending prospects is closer to a North-American debut.

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.

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 GermanyThomas 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 CanadaCalvin 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.

Grew up a diehard Islanders and Mets fan based out of Northern New Jersey. Concluding my Broadcast Communications degree at William Paterson University. WP Sportsdesk member, Stan Fischler correspondent, music buff and total Star Wars freak. Follow my social media handles to learn more. Matt Di Giacomo is a Staff Writer for the Islanders on Elite Sports NY. He encourages team discussion. Tweet him @mdigiacESNY and check out his reviews on YouTube.