C Isac Lundestrom - Lulea HF, SHL (2018, 23rd, ANA)

[TheGoldenJet]

I struggle to fully agree. While yes, top 6 minutes and responsibilities is ideal for his development, the kid at 18 is already one of Anaheim's most reliable players at both ends of the ice. I mean he's got a few things to learn, but his instincts and ability to hound the puck and almost always jar it free and make a smart pass is a hell of a lot more consistent than its been for most of the guys in the roster. At 18 he's already more than NHL capable.

I just can't think of how much better top 6 minutes in SHL competition is gonna serve him versus nightly NHL quality competition.

Point taken regarding NHL comp. That experience is valuable, and I think a 9 game stint will serve him well in that regard, especially for knowing what to improve upon for next year.

But playing a top role in the SHL will still allow him very good competition playing against men while giving him more opportunities, icetime, power play time, and especially more confidence than an NHL stint in a bottom 6 role. That’s how I see it, anyway.

 

[Vipers31]

I mean, he did spend most of the past two years playing as more of a depth player against men, and that did not really seem to stunt his development. It's a bit weird to insist that now is the time that he has to play at a lower level than he appears to be capable of for the sake of a leading role. I can see some upside in either scenario, so I'll just look forward to seeing what happens.

 

[Kalv]

I mean, he did spend most of the past two years playing as more of a depth player against men, and that did not really seem to stunt his development. It's a bit weird to insist that now is the time that he has to play at a lower level than he appears to be capable of for the sake of a leading role. I can see some upside in either scenario, so I'll just look forward to seeing what happens.

I think it would be better that he now, after a couple of years, can take on a leading role on a team. But like you said, both options have some upside. I`m leaning more to sending him down tho

 

[AngelDuck]

I'd love for him to go to the AHL. I think getting acclimated to the NA style of play and the smaller rink is more important than going back home and playing against men again.

But honestly, I'm thinking he will stay with the Ducks all year and Steel might be the guy to go down. However, the Lundestrom-Steel-Sherwood line has been real good so far

 

[WhatTheDuck]

It appears that the Ducks have decided to keep Lundestrom past the 9 game mark, and may be sliding Henrique back to LW in order to have room for the kid to remain at center full time.

What another gem of a pick by Martin Madden and co. At 18 Lundestrom is ready to contribute as a center, on both sides of the puck. Very impressed with his maturity and IQ, and laughing at myself for believing the scouts who questioned his upside. He'll be a key contributor in Anaheim for years to come.

 

[TLEH]

Seems odd to keep him up in a checking role. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. You see a lot more success with taking it slower with guys rather than taking the play them earlier in a lesser role route. He's a real smart player though so we'll see

 

[WhatTheDuck]

Seems odd to keep him up in a checking role. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. You see a lot more success with taking it slower with guys rather than taking the play them earlier in a lesser role route. He's a real smart player though so we'll see

They used him in that role last night, but I see Steel being sent down when Rowney returns to take the 4C spot. That should open up ice for Lundestrom to play third line behind Getzlaf and Kesler, which seems a fairly ideal way to break him in.

 

[KaseMeOutside]

I think he should go back this team is a disaster

 

[ManUtdTobbe]

Think it's a mistake to keep him with Ducks, he's kinda having the same issue as he did in SHL, he's not generating shots.

 

[brakeyawself]

Looked great in tonight’s game. Got himself an assist wit his nice all around play. I think he’s still being underrated. He looks like a real possible top 6 center down the road. More of a 2C than 1C but you never know with these types.

 

[The Colonel]

Isac just had his first game in the AHL with the Gulls.

He looked fantastic. 2 assists in the game and was a threat to score multiple times.

 

[PatrikBerglund]

I think he should go back this team is a disaster

How is he a disaster?

 

[Tryamkin]

How is he a disaster?

He’s talking about the Ducks, not Lundestrom.

 

[PatrikBerglund]

He’s talking about the Ducks, not Lundestrom.

Oh, my mistake. I mis-read the sentence since it lacked a comma.

 

[KaseMeOutside]

Yeah I want that kid away from the ducks and playing alot at center.

Does anyone know if an agreement has been made for him to stay in North America?

 

[TheGoldenJet]

Isac just had his first game in the AHL with the Gulls.

He looked fantastic. 2 assists in the game and was a threat to score multiple times.

By all accounts it was an excellent debut. Should be a great learning opportunity for Lundestrom playing in the AHL.

He’ll be an elite addition for Sweden at the WJC as well.

 

[Drift]

Hows he looking? What sort of upside do you see for him?

 

[JAS 39 Gripen]

Hows he looking? What sort of upside do you see for him?

In the WJC hes looking pretty bad tbh.

 

[tomd]

In the WJC hes looking pretty bad tbh.

If you are looking for Lundestrom to "wow" you then you'll be constantly disappointed. I think he can definitely do better though. And if he has 3 points in 2 games while playing "bad", can't wait to see his production when he starts playing "good". Outside of the PP, I don't think any Swedish player has looked particularly good so far in the two games they've played.

 

[VictorLustig]

There is not enough offense in his game to center a scoring line, even at the WJC level. I've barely noticed him so far, similar to last year.

 

[wings5]

There is not enough offense in his game to center a scoring line, even at the WJC level. I've barely noticed him so far, similar to last year.

Worse offensively than de la Rose then? I remember at least de la Rose creating chances and producing when he played in the WJC, even though he can't find any offense in the pros now.

 

[JAS 39 Gripen]

If you are looking for Lundestrom to "wow" you then you'll be constantly disappointed. I think he can definitely do better though. And if he has 3 points in 2 games while playing "bad", can't wait to see his production when he starts playing "good". Outside of the PP, I don't think any Swedish player has looked particularly good so far in the two games they've played.

Since youre trying to make the point that no one on the swedish squad have been impressive, I take it as A) youre a ducks fan and cant give credit to other teams prospects, for example Brännström whos been beyond good thus far, or B) that you havnt watched the games.

 

[JAS 39 Gripen]

Worse offensively than de la Rose then? I remember at least de la Rose creating chances and producing when he played in the WJC, even though he can't find any offense in the pros now.

De la Rose survived b/c of his size and speed, Lundström dosnt have that. Hes turning into a 3-4th liner at this point. But hes young, maybe he turns a corner. Ive said it before, the Ducks shouldve sent him back to Sweden for a few years

 

[Drift]

So sounds like his point totals might be a little misleading for people that have been able to watch him. Thank you for the feedback.

 

[tomd]

Since youre trying to make the point that no one on the swedish squad have been impressive, I take it as A) youre a ducks fan and cant give credit to other teams prospects, for example Brännström whos been beyond good thus far, or B) that you havnt watched the games.

I've watched the games and specifically mentioned the 5 on 5 play (i.e. except PP). Brannstrom has done all his damage on the PP. If you have a different opinion on 5 on 5 play then so be it.