The Edmonton Oilers have announced that they have signed defenceman Filip Berglund to a two-year, entry-level contract. Berglund was originally drafted by the Oilers in the third round, 91st overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
The #Oilers have signed defenceman & 2016 third-round pick Filip Berglund to a two-year, entry-level contract.
The 22-year-old just completed his fourth full season in the Swedish Hockey League with @skelleftea_aik, posting five goals & 15 assists. pic.twitter.com/a6PZAjt5RC
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 1, 2020
Oilers Ink Filip Berglund
Berglund has spent the last five seasons playing for his hometown team Skelleftea AIK of the Swedish Hockey League. In 200 career games, Berglund has scored 10 goals and 43 assists for 55 points. Last season was the most productive of his career. He registered five goals and 15 assists for 20 points in 52 games, setting career highs in every category.
The 22-year-old native of Skelleftea, Sweden will be loaned to Linkoping HC of the SHL next season before making the jump to North America.
What This Means for the Future
In Berglund, the Oilers bring in another young solid defensive presence. While his offensive game is growing, Berglund is best known as a defensive defenceman. Berglund possesses good size at 6’2”, 209lb. However, he is a mobile defender who makes a strong first pass and has a high hockey IQ.
With so many uncertainties on defence after the 2020-21 season, the Oilers will look for Berglund to jump into the mix. Ethan Bear is currently in need of a new contract. Both Adam Larsson and Kris Russell will need new deals after the 2020-21 season. While Russell is not expected to get a new deal from the Oilers, Bear and Larsson will both require a nice raise. As well as forwards Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Kailer Yamamoto. The Oilers will certainly be looking for cheaper options, such as Berglund, to make the jump and play some valuable minutes for the club in order to stay underneath the cap. Another year in the SHL will prove beneficial for the Swedish defenceman before he makes the jump to North America for the 2021-22 season.
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