Per the New York Rangers Twitter, former 2018 first-round selection Nils Lundkvist has signed his ELC. The 20-year-old defenceman played in 52 games with Luleau in the SHL (Swedish Hockey League) this past season, recording 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points. As well as 30 penalty minutes. In addition, Lundkvist was named the winner of the Salming Trophy in 2020-21. The trophy is awarded to the best Swedish-born defenceman in the SHL.
The future just got even brighter. 😎
Welcome to #NYR, Nils! pic.twitter.com/3WKPRpT4mV
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 3, 2021
Lundkvist is a very talented up-and-coming defenceman. The 2018 NHL draft was filled with talent, especially Swedish defenceman. Rasmus Dahlin went first overall, then Adam Boqvist went eighth overall, later Lundkvist was taken with the 28th overall selection in the first round. Lundkvist is looking like a draft steal, as the 5’11” and 180 Ibs defender will potentially look to make an impact next season.
Nils Lundkvist Signs Entry-Level Contract
Lundkvist is a very strong skater. The right-handed defenceman possesses fantastic acceleration and speed in his forward skating. His agile edgework is complemented by his strong transitional skating. Furthermore, Lundkvist can translate from defence to offence quickly. Lundkvist has come a long way in his off-ice training, becoming much stronger on his edges. His off-ice work has allowed him to be stronger in corners and in front of the net.
Moreover, Lundkvist displays excellent skill with the puck. Lundkvist can either create or join the rush. He is also a great powerplay guy. He can quarterback a team’s top unit. His skating allows him to move laterally to open shooting and passing lanes. Lundkvist can also make a strong break-out pass to his team’s forwards. He sees the ice better than most, making him an effective offensive threat. Lundkvist has a quick-release front the point, having a good wrist shot in his toolbox. The young Swede has worked on his upper-body strength to increase his slap shot power from the blue line.
Not being very large, his size can put him at a disadvantage in his defensive end. Lundkvist is engaged in front of the net and in the corners. Again, off-ice training will help him improve and thrive in the NHL. He can move pucks up the ice quickly and has a quick defensive stick. He can stick check and poke pucks away from forwards and is well-positioned.
What This Means
Lundkvist can look to make an impact as soon as next season. His development has progressed very nicely since being drafted. His fate this season relies on the next head coach of the Rangers. The Rangers have had multiple interviews with Rick Tocchet and Gerard Gallant. The system Lundkvist plays in can ultimately decide whether he’s on the opening night roster. He has the potential to become a top-four defenceman for the Rangers, to compliment a blue line with Adam Fox, Ryan Lindgren, and Jacob Trouba.
