Prospect Info: Anton Wahlberg, C/LW, Malmo (J20) - Selection 39OA, 2023 (Signed to 3 year ELC), Assigned to Roch 3/24/24

Jim Bob

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Feb 27, 2002
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Chainshot

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BB #54:

This big power forward from Sweden played most of this past season in Sweden’s junior league, making the transition to the SHL in February. Wahlberg played some decent minutes for Malmo, and was a regular on the U18 national team over the course of the season, playing in various events. He arguably made his biggest impact in the last big event of the year, finishing with 6 points in 7 games on the way to a silver medal for Team Sweden.

As mentioned, he is a big kid who moves really well on the ice. He was always a powerful skater, but over the course of the season, we saw some improvements in his agility and edgework. Now he can burn past players with his outside speed, but also cut back inside effortlessly. This makes him very dangerous off the rush, because he can beat you with both outside and inside moves. One of his go-to moves off the rush is to attack defensemen with speed, tricking them into thinking he’s going to go on the outside before abruptly cutting back inside with his improved agility.
 

Chainshot

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EP had him at 60 -

Anton Wahlberg had some of the best highlights out of any player in the J20 Nationell last season. There were multiple end-to-end rushes where he outplayed entire defensive schemes with his speed and skill before leaving the netminder helpless with a quick release. He was an offensive dynamo for the low-scoring Malmö Redhawks’ J20 squad and started to earn solid minutes with the SHL team during spring.

When it comes to individual tools, Wahlberg’s skating got mixed reviews from our staff throughout the season. When he reached his full gear and got to attack with speed through the neutral zone, he looked unstoppable from time to time. On the other hand, his agility and small-area manoeuvrability weren’t nearly at the same level. His stride got a lot heavier late in shifts and games, perhaps pointing to some issues with conditioning, although he also played a ton at the J20 level. In the end, we settled on an average projection, given he did already show some improvements throughout the season.
 
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LastWordArmy

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Sep 11, 2011
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In each draft, there will be a player who suddenly rises on most draft boards. A player who might not have cracked the top 100 but suddenly are within a chance of being selected in the first round. This year that player is Anton Wahlberg from the Malmö Redhawks in the SHL.

Coming into the season, Wahlberg was expected to spend the season in the J20-Nationell. However, midway through the season he got a call-up to the struggling SHL team and helped turn around their fortune. After joining the team, he played 22 games and scored five points. He was also a part of the reason Malmö managed to win their relegation series and stay in the SHL next season. His presence on the ice was noteworthy throughout his stint in the SHL. It quickly had him climbing the draft boards in record speed.

 

95snipes

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Dec 11, 2019
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I don't know how you guys do it, but last year Kulich was one of my favorites. This year Wahlberg is one of my favorites.

Wahlberg has every tool you want to be an NHL goal scoring power forward. Big, good top speed, hands, shot, it's all there.

Lots to like in your pool.
 

HOOats

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According to EP, he has a twin brother Oskar who also plays for Malmo, but is a 5'10 143(!) lbs defender. If measurements are current, that's brutal to be five inches and fifty pounds smaller than your twin lol.
 
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