Same with Nicklas Backstrom, spent one year after draft in Sweden before turning pro with Washington & was immediately successful, in Backstrom rookie season, MNylander went down to injury where Backstrom was placed with Ovie and the rest as they say is history & NB has never looked back.Blob Mckenzie wrote: ↑Thu Mar 01, 2018 2:46 pmDaniel and Henrik spent one season in Sweden after being draftedHockey Widow wrote: ↑Thu Mar 01, 2018 2:23 pm I would be fine with him staying in Sweden for 2 more years, similar to what the twins did. Problem is we are desperate for some good PR. Boeser has done wonders for keeping fans interested. The temptation to get Pettersson here next year must be huge.
But then again I advocated for Boeser going to Utica because he just didn't seem ready to me.
If you got the elite skills you can transition quicker, ya don't have to be a Rod the bod BrindAmour built to score a lot of points in the NHL.
fun fact: Thomas Gradin spend two years in the SHL after draft before going pro & was successful.
Considering Pettersson is breaking all SHL U20 scoring records, he should transition well to the pros.
Of note* Stamkos rookie season he had big homie Malone on his LW and small vet skilled winger Martin St. Louis for some games.
So yeah IF indeed Pettersson makes his way to Canucks next season it would be good to have a big winger with him to add some muscle mass to his line, at least in the beginning. Eriksson for Lucic?