The New York Islanders brought one of their 2011 draft picks into the fold, signing center Johan Sundstrom from Vastra Frolunda HC of the Swedish Elite League.
The 19-year-old Sundstrom was the Islanders' second-round pick (50th overall) at last year's NHL Entry Draft. He scored six goals and assisted on five more for Frolunda in 2011-12 as the youngest player by far among the team's regulars. He was also a regular for Frolunda in his draft year, playing 41 games for the Indians and scoring one goal in the 2010-11 season.He also scored a goal and handed out four assists for Sweden's gold medal team at the most recent IIHF World Junior Championship in Calgary.
Sundstrom is ranked sixth among the Islanders' prospects at center by Hockey's Future, and was not among the Islanders' top 10 prospects according to The Hockey News. However, the 6-foot-2 Swede has a power forward's body and a history of scoring well in the junior ranks, so the time could certainly be right for a move across the Atlantic and an introduction to the North American game.
The Islanders were not under pressure to sign Sundstrom, as they would have until next June to sign him or risk losing his draft rights. The fact that the Islanders were quick to sign the 19-year-old suggests that he could have a more significant role in the team's plans for the future than the pundits might currently suspect.
