Rangers Roundup: Nils Lundkvist injured at World Championship, and Chris Drury taking his time on a new coach
New York Rangers prospect defenseman, Nils Lundkvist was injured in a collision at the World Championships last night. Per Uffe Bodin, it is a lower-body injury that force him out of the tournament.
Nils Lundkvist incredible season
One of the New York Rangers 2018 first round picks, Nils Lundkvist was announced as the winner of the Salming Trophy this past April. It goes to the best Swedish-born defenseman in the SHL as chosen by Bjore Salming himself. Nils led all defenders in goals with 14 and power play goals with 8.
“I am extremely honored that Börje believes in me – it’s really great,” Lundkvist said after winning the award. “I still get shivers when I watch video clips of how he was praised with minute-long standing ovations during the Canada Cup 1976.”
“Despite his young years, Nils is already a complete player, but who will get even better,” Salming praised Lundkvist. “He moves the puck quickly, has a great shot on the power play. Is effective in own zone. It’s so easy for Nils – he plays ice hockey.”
Nils Lundkvist concluded his SHL career and is now going to chase down a championship with Lulea. This season, the 20 year-old defender racked up an amazing 32 points in 52 games played. In 166 career SHL games he recorded 78 points. What shouldn’t be lost is that he managed these points as a teenager in Sweden’s top pro league.
For context; his 78 points are the most ever in SHL history for a blue-liner under 21. Lundkvist’s 166 career games are tied for most by a defensemen in his U21 or younger season in league history. These are simply amazing stats for the Rangers third first round selection in the 2018 draft (Vitali Kravtsov 9, K’Andre Miller 22, Nils Lundkvist 28).
Update on Rangers coaching search
Earlier today, I requested an update on the latest with the Rangers coaching search. We know of two interviews that took place, Gerard Gallant and Rick Tocchet with more expected. From what I could gather, there is no urgency on the part of the Rangers to hire a coach. This will be a thorough and detailed process that Chris Drury will follow.
Tarmo Reunanen and Morgan Barron make AHL Atlantic All-Star Team
Two members of the Wolf Pack have been named to the AHL’s Atlantic Division All-Star Team. Both Tarmo Reunanen and Morgan Barron were given the honors.
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