With training camps opening in Sweden, we get a chance to talk to Christian Folin, Roger Rönnberg, and Mattias Norlinder about the Swedish prospect who will be making his North American debut at Montreal Canadiens training camp.
First up is former Canadien and a LeMat Trophy winner, Christian Folin. Folin has returned to Frölunda, where he spent the junior years. We get to hear about his thoughts on leaving Montreal, but since he has practiced with Mattias Norlinder the last week, the main part of the interview is in regards to the Montreal prospect. Folin doesn’t hold back.
“He is amazing,” Folin said. “One of the strongest guys I have seen in the gym, one of the fastest guys on the ice, just an amazing player. I think they are going to enjoy him for sure, he is going to be a good player for them for a long time.”
Folin gives his thoughts on Norlinder’s chances to stay on the Canadiens come camp and gives some insights to Norlinder’s work ethic and overall skills.
Frölunda’s coach Roger Rönnberg is up next. The coach explains that Stefan Elliott, a former NHL (with Colorado, Arizona and Nashville) and KHL player will be Frölunda’s first pairing. Mr. Rönnberg also gives his expectations on Norlinder’s upcoming season: “He has a huge role [to play] for us. I hope he really can compete and grow, play a lot of minutes for us this year and [be] a top defenceman for our team.”
With the recent draft success for Frölunda, the interview concludes with some thoughts about the junior program that Frölunda has.
In the end we listen to Mattias Norlinder, who gives his expectations on the season and talks about the chance to play in front of fans, even there were only a hundred or so fans in the stands this time. He looks to improve all parts of his game, but especially his offensive skills.
He finishes by giving a shout out to the fans in Montreal after having watched some of the highlights of the team’s playoff performance.
