Kent Hughes Scores Big for Canadiens with Offensive Addition: 'He Is Absolutely Incredible'
Photo credit: NHL/habsfanatics
The name Filip Eriksson probably doesn't mean anything to you. Unless you're an expert on Montreal Canadiens prospects.
Few people know that he was drafted in the 6th round (165th overall) in the 2023 NHL Draft.
The young man is currently making noise across the ocean as he's off to a blazing start to the season in Sweden.
His 7 points in two games with Lulea in the SHL to open the season are bound to make waves in the Swedish league.
The Habs prospect has therefore, in just two small games, already surpassed his production from last year, when he recorded two goals and four assists in 37 games with Vaxjo.
All eyes in the SHL on Filip Eriksson
It didn't take much for the center of attention in Swedish hockey to become the Canadiens' new prospect.
The Swedish media didn't take long to jump on the story.
Aftonbladet even ran an article saying that Lulea's first line is "too strong for the league."
That outlet wasn't the only one to give an opinion:
Expressen, quoting Lulea's captain Erik Gustafsson:
"Absolutely incredible. This young man is the real deal."
Read on the website of Dagens Nyheter, one of the most influential newspapers in the Triple Crown: "Dream start seems to be the right expression."
- Via TVA Sports
"Absolutely incredible. This young man is the real deal."
Read on the website of Dagens Nyheter, one of the most influential newspapers in the Triple Crown: "Dream start seems to be the right expression."
- Via TVA Sports
Enough to make Habs fans drool and to add a bit of unnecessary pressure on the player himself.
Thomas Froberg, the man who signed Filip Eriksson with Lulea, is stunned
The team's GM, Thomas Froberg, was of course asked about the Eriksson phenomenon. He, who signed him this summer, didn't expect him to blossom this early.
"I thought he would come out of his shell in November or December, but not this soon."
- Thomas Froberg
- Thomas Froberg
Even if he didn't expect this kind of start, Froberg strongly believed in his protégé. He signed Eriksson because he thought the forward had untapped offensive skills in a Vaxjo team loaded with veterans.
He didn't plan to put him right away on the team's top line, but things changed when the club's best center, Brian O'Neill, went to his boss to request it.
With his 3 goals and 4 assists in just 2 games, it's safe to say the chemistry is strong between Eriksson, O'Neill, and Isac Hedqvist.
This looks like another successful acquisition by Kent Hughes and the Canadiens on offense.
TRENDING NOW
