The Detroit Red Wings announced on Twitter today that they have signed Swedish rookie star forward Pontus Andreasson from Lulea of the SHL to a one year deal:
UPDATE: The Detroit #RedWings today signed right wing Pontus Andreasson to a one-year contract.
Details: https://t.co/B9RB4JHOAn pic.twitter.com/w48Cob080I
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) May 16, 2022
Pontus Andreasson a Rookie Star in Sweden
The 23-year-old rookie from Munkedal put up fantastic numbers this year. His regular season totaled 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points. He also collecting eight goals and five assists for 13 points in the playoffs. His play helped Lulea reach the SHL playoff finals. Among all SHL rookies, he ranked second in goals, points, powerplay goals with five, powerplay points with 13, and penalty minutes with 22.
He led the league’s rookies in plus/minus with a plus-19. Elite Prospects have him listed under the Grand Rapids Griffins but that is not a guaranteed destination. He impressed in the SHL and a similarly impressive training camp could result in a spot on the Wings right away. Andreasson finished the year as runner-up for SHL rookie of the year, and Frolunda defender Simon Edvinsson all but has his ticket punched to play on the Red Wings roster next season.
What This Means for the Future
Detroit is transitioning from the tear-down phase of the rebuild to building back up. Training camp in Traverse City will be hotly contested. Before Andreasson even signed there’s a plethora of young star players battling for jobs. He will need to stand out amongst fellow countrymen like Elmer Soderblom and Jonatan Berggren. If he does not make the team he may help fill the void left by Berggren in Grand Rapids.
The transition to the smaller North American ice surface could affect his performance until he adapts. But as long as his current impressive play continues into bigger and higher-level leagues it shouldn’t be long until his time comes. After vying for one rookie of the year award he may soon have a chance to battle for another one.
