Quote:
Originally Posted by Hale The Villain
Sweden really doesn't like to pick eligible defenseman for the tourney. Forwards are another story though. Players like Karlsson, Ekman-Larsson, Brodin, Klefbom, Lindholm were all left off the team in their draft years, despite being plenty good enough to play in the tournament.
I don't think Hagg's lack of an invite says much about his progress this year, or a lack there-of. The names on the Swedish defense are pretty unspectacular; I imagine he could have certainly challenged for a spot if given an invite. I fully expect him to be a key player on defense next season.
It seems a little strange to me that Team Sweden won't look at their top defense prospects in their draft years, but pencil them in as locks next winter  |
That extra year usually means that the player has gone from being a junior player to a regular men's player. Hedman and Larsson played in the tournament two times prior to being drafted, but they were also regulars in the SEL. How many promising -95 D's did Canada or USA invite?
