Swedish Noise
Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund propelled Sweden to a five-year run of medals
at the Under-20 World Junior Championships from 1992 through to 1996. However,
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since winning a silver medal in Boston in `96, the Swedes have come up empty
seven straight years, finishing no higher than fourth and hitting rock-bottom
with an eighth-place showing in Halifax last month.
Despite the decline, Sweden continues to cultivate quality prospects, a number
of whom have seen their stock soar this season. One such player is Carolina
draftee Niklas
Nordgren.
When Henrik
Zetterberg moved to the NHL last fall, Timra were hoping for someone to
help fill the offensive void and Nordgren has answered the call. Following an
unremarkable rookie debut in 2001-02, Nordgren, a former top scorer for second-division
Sundsvall, has emerged as an impact scorer in his sophomore campaign.
Also making noise this season are Vastra Frolunda's talented 'kindergarten'
line of Joel
Lundqvist (Dal),
Kahnberg (Car)
and Jari
Tolsa (Det).
While Lundqvist already ranks among the world's top prospects, Tolsa, a Gothenburg
native currently in his fourth Elitserien campaign, has established himself
at the international level this year, playing alongside kindergarten-mates on
Sweden's National Team.
The third member of the unit, Magnus Kahnberg, also Carolina property, continues
his rapid climb up the charts. Another member of the strong 1980 class that
also included Henrik Zetterberg, Rickard Wallin and the Sedin twins, Kahnberg
has steadily improved during his three seasons with Frolunda, and now projects
as a solid NHL prospect despite being selected 212th overall in the 2000 Draft.
Scouting Profiles: Niklas
Nordgren, Magnus
Kahnberg, Jari
Tolsa