New York Rangers prospect Adam Edström looking to continue progress
Adam Edström, 21, is starting his 3rd post-draft season in Sweden. The 6’8″ winger and his team Rögle BK qualified for the Champions Hockey League for the first time last season, where they lost the Final of the SHL against Växjö Lakers.
So what’s next for the Rangers 6th round pick in the 2019 Draft, nicknamed “Edan”?
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Edstrom gets taste of postseason action
Back in 2015, the green-and-white army from Ängelholm won promotion to the SHL and slowly worked their way up from 16 wins in years one and three, to 25 and 27 in the last two resulting in them being playoff contenders.
For Edström it was his first taste of postseason hockey and with 6 points (3+3) in 11 games, he was an important part of that team. “I was super excited, had such a fun and good season with a great group of guys so making it all the way to the finals was great,” he recalled. “Also really fun to experience my first play-off in the SHL, hopefully there will be more.”
This season, Edström was joined by another Rangers prospect, Oliver Tärnström who came over from AIK and starts with the team’s u20 team in Nationell (previously SuperElit). “We have had some conversations, Oliver is a super nice guy and skilled hockeyplayer. Really fun to get to talk to him and know him.” Edström says about their first interactions. Tärnström played 1 game with the men’s team in the Champions Hockey League but expectations are he will join Edström later on in the season on a more permanent basis.
The season ahead
Adam enjoyed a healthy mix of preparation and relaxation during the offseason. Due to the COVID restrictions during the previous season, the focus was on seeing loved ones again.
Edström, who grew up in Karlstad 300 miles away, didn’t see his family throughout the last campaign. “I have been at my hometown with family and friends, a lot of workouts but I also spent a lot of quality time with the people I dont get to see that much during the season,” he noted.
Outside of hockey there weren’t any restrictions in Sweden. When he joined the team again in late July, Edström was glad to be back. “I was excited to get started in the new season and see what it holds for me,” he said. “I have been putting some extra work into my offense and I hope that is something I will be able to put to use during the upcoming season.”
Of course there has been regular contact with the New York Rangers but for now Edström isn’t thinking of that part of his future just yet. “I have had some conversations with the Rangers but I’m excited to spend the coming season in Rögle and develop more with the great staff and team we’ve got here.” he explained.
Edström has played his first CHL games and the traveling is definitely one of the more enticing aspects of the continental league. In 4 games, Edström didn’t put up any points but he enjoyed the experience. “We have been preparing as for a normal SHL game, it will be exciting to travel to different countries and play new teams. The CHL-games are played pretty early in the pre-season so we have been working a lot to get up to speed.”
Edan’s personal goals
Edström’s versatility is a big advantage and he has no preference for any forward position. “I feel comfortable playing both wing and center, all I can see is a upside to my game,” Adam noted. “I learned how to play both positions and feel like I can use that to my advantage in different situations on the ice”.
My expectation for Edström is that he will join the Rangers organization next summer, participate in pre-season and possibly play another year in the SHL as he won’t be eligible for the AHL until 2023-24. Edström is under contract with Rögle BK until the end of the 2022-23 season.
Last season, Edström missed 5 games after receiving a suspension for a dangerous hit, and it was a tough lesson for the then 19-year old. However, it doesn’t seem to have changed his approach.
“I will keep on playing my style of hockey and sometimes mistakes happen but I always try to play with respect for my opponents,” he said. “But no, the suspension didn’t change my way of playing at all.”
It’s up to him to make sure he plays within the rules of the game with his physical style. Recently, Rögle BK coach Cam Abbott promoted him to the top-line playing with Brady Ferguson and Anton Bengtsson offering a perfect opportunity to take that next step. “I want to get more minutes and hopefully put up more points than my earlier years in the SHL, but at the same time keep my good defense and buy in to the role I play for Rögle BK.”
PS: I want to thank Adam “Edan” Edström for sitting down with me and giving me the opportunity to share this story with our fanbase.
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