alko
Registered User
Are there any players in Europe, older free agents, that are NHL ready? Some players like Brunnstrom or Jonas Gustavsson a few years ago...
It should be noted that his contract is up after the 2011-12 KHL season.Roman Cervenka
25 years old
5'11 185
31G 31A in 51GP for Omsk Avangard this year.
Someone's gotta give him a contract.
Are there any players in Europe, older free agents, that are NHL ready? Some players like Brunnstrom or Jonas Gustavsson a few years ago...
Nicklas Fasth without doubt, he would do well in the NHL.
He meant Viktor Fasth. Man, the guy is a human wall at the moment.. And has been good all season.Who is Nicklas Fasth? I can't find him on eliteprospects lol
No-one is gonna garner the interest those two did, but Cervenka would if he decided to go to the NHL.
From Sweden there are a few candidates, which we've touched in the undrafted free agent-thread. Three goalies of interest, with Niklas Svedberg, Mark Owuya and Viktor Fasth.
Mark Owuya is a big goalie that have been labeled somewhat of a nuthead because of his off-ice behaviour and infamous appearance in the Swedish version of American Idol, but he's improving his technique and focus for every week and has had a very good year. Still some issues to work with, obviously, but a good physique and moves pretty well.
Niklas Svedberg is very sound positionally and showcases a very sound butterfly technique, but is "just" 6'1 which can be exposed with his covering style when the shooters can pick the corners better than in the SEL.
Viktor Fasth have been the goalie of the year in the SEL, there's no doubt he's been the real MVP of the league this year. He's 28 though, whereas the other two goalies are 21. He's also a bit on the small side, which raises the same concerns as with Svedberg. Concerns with injury problems in the past as well.
Not saying you can't make it as a covering 6'0 goalie, but it makes it much harder.
On the skater side we've got Sebastian Erixon. No real super special abilities, very allround and intelligent, and few weak spots. Having a breaktrough year with half a point per game and an appearance with tha national team during one of the tourneys.
On the forward side, there are really no clear cut guys. Linus Videll is a big forward with great hands and vision. Might not be intense enough and might not skate well enough to handle a higher tempo, though. Was drafted by the Avs but their rights expired.
Roman Cervenka
25 years old
5'11 185
31G 31A in 51GP for Omsk Avangard this year.
Someone's gotta give him a contract.
Niko Hovinen, a 6'5'' tall goalie was by far the most valuable player for his team here in Finland. Not sure if he's NHL ready right now, but at least he's worth keeping an eye on.
Who is Nicklas Fasth? I can't find him on eliteprospects lol
Kontiola and Lindgren already played few seasons in the AHL and it didnt seem to be enough at that time. Kontiola and Lehtera are fit for KHL, dont think they've interest of realistical chances to make it into NHL. Aaltonen is pure offense guy who's never going to be good enough for NHL. Lindgren is a wildcard no idea what he's up to. Id think player like Antti Pihlstrom could be up for another try but I didnt have a chance to see how he played in NHL last visit so dont know how he managed over there or player like Leo Komarov who could be interested for NHL try (even through AHL eventho he also has "star" status in KHL)Who got the most potential of those guys? Are any theese guys heading over to NHL/AHL next season?
Janne Lahti from SM-Liiga (FEL). Was the leading goalscorer with 37 goals in 59 games, also had 59 points. For the comparison, second in goalscoring scored only 30 goals.
Lahti is big and physical guy, who can protect the puck very well.