Lost (by us) in the Habs being eliminated from the playoffs and SB Nation having their site issues is the fact that a couple of days ago the Montreal Canadiens signed Swedish defense prospect Magnus Nygren to an entry level contract.
UPDATE: According to friend of the blog and excellent reporter Marc-Antoine Godin, the signing is not formalized yet due to a lack of a transfer agreement between the NHL and Sweden.
Nygren was drafted in the 4th round, 113th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, and has made the most of the previous two years in the Elitserien, progressing this season to the point where he was awarded the Salming Trophy, awarded annually to the player adjudged to be the best defenseman in the Elitserien.
Nygren put up 13 goals and and 19 assists for 32 points in 51 games during the regular season for Farjestads as a 22 year old this year. Drafted as an overager, he may be close to NHL ready.
Last year Nygren finished just outside the top 25 Habs prospects under 25 on EOTP, but the summer before he ranked 19th. His stock may be on the rise again this summer, but you’ll have to wait to find out.
The Canadiens and Nygren agreed to a 2 year entry level deal, but financial terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed.
Nygren hasn’t made the decision on whether or not he’ll be coming to North America this coming season, but he hasn’t ruled it out either.
No matter what happens, it’s time to get to know Nygren a little better:
