Eyes On The Prize got a few minutes with Växjö Lakers coach Jörgen Jönsson to talk about his young centre and Montreal Canadiens prospect Filip Eriksson. Jönsson chooses to look at last year’s injury from a positive angle as it gave Eriksson a chance to build up his strength and conditioning, something the forward will need this season.
“I like his hockey sense, his smartness, I like the decisions he makes on the ice. He is a smart hockey player. That’s the best way of describe him.”
In regards to playing only a few games of SHL hockey last year as a draft eligible prospect, Mr. Jönsson explains that to play is an achievement in itself; “It is tough, it’s a league where there isn’t much room even if you are talented in juniors. You really have to be good to play.”
As Canadiens fans look toward the SHL what can they expect? “Right now we have 14 forwards in the squad, he has a chance to take a spot for sure, it is a race, it’s a competition to get ice time. The expectation from Montreal Canadiens fans should be that he makes the team quite often, once in a while for sure, he has a chance for that.”
When it comes to U20 development, the coach has taken a different approach. “I have not spoken to him about that. I want him to feel like he is a part of this group, a part of this squad, so I have not said anything about it. But I think he knows, he is a smart guy, if he’s not playing here he should play U20’s or at last somewhere else. He is at an age where he needs to play a lot of hockey, not just practice hockey.”
You can listen to the full interview with Jörgen Jönsson below, along with a few extra comments from Patrik Bexell.
