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Dallas Stars Daily Links: The Stars’ Swedish Prospects Set Their Sights On The Next Level

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

The Dallas Stars’ great European scouting is a matter of public record, so it’s probably not a surprise that two of their most notable prospects hail from Sweden. Fresh from earning a bronze medal in the 2020 World Juniors, both are now looking to the next level: a successful transition to North America.

Nineteen-year-old forward Albin Eriksson brings skill, size, and a double shot of attitude to his game, Julie Robenhymer reports:

“If you look in the Swedish newspapers, he’s called a little bit of a bad boy,” said Pär Johansson, the Stars’ European player development coordinator. “He plays really tough and hard and with a lot of emotion, especially for a Swedish guy. He’s learning to use that emotion for good things on the ice and that’s why he was able to get on the world junior team. He added a spark.”…

“I play with a lot of attitude. That’s my game, but I need to calm down before the games,” [Eriksson] said with a laugh. “I get so into it and I give it my all because I’m so competitive and I want to win at everything and then I play the games and I’m just exhausted. So, I decided it’s best to save all my energy for the game. Now, I only play soccer on practice days.”

Meanwhile, fellow center Oskar Back shows a cerebral side on the ice:

“I’ve seen him play in the men’s league 10-15 times and at world juniors and there’s not a single stride wrong in his defense,” Johansson said of the 6-foot-2, 198 pound centerman. “He’s always in the right position and it’s his first year playing pro here and he plays in every situation. They’re not afraid to play him with two minutes left and up a goal. He’s doing the small things right.

“People might not notice him much, but all the coaches love him because he’s so effective and it’s been like that since he was 16.”

There’s much more at the official site. [Dallas Stars]

Stars Stuff

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Around The League(s)

#Death Notes

  • Zack Smith scored twice and Corey Crawford made 32 saves as the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Montreal Canadiens, 4-1. [Second City Hockey]
  • Jakub Voracek ended the St. Louis Blues’ home winning streak with the overtime goal that gave the Philadelphia Flyers a 4-3 victory. [St. Louis Game Time]/

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Talking Points