By Warren Kozireski–
Projected by some publications as high as 80th, meaning a third or fourth round pick, the New York Islanders selected Tranas, Sweden right wing Simon Holmstrom with their first round pick (23rd) overall at the NHL Draft in Vancouver.
To be fair, other projections had Holmstrom anywhere from 16th to the 40’s, but the 6’0, 193 lb. overcame some early season injury issues to post seven goals with three assists in 21 games for HV71 SuperElit and added three goals and three assists in seven games for Team Sweden at the U-18 World Juniors playing against his own age.
About his injuries, Holmstrom said in the media interview area, “It was really frustrating. I’ve tried to keep looking forward, pushing forward.”
McKeen’s Hockey said about Holmstrom, “With the puck on his stick, he can be dazzling, whether deking past defenders, or fooling them with passes from the behind the net.”
And Draftin Europe wrote “A deft skater with some explosiveness to his game. has remarkable passing ability and likes to set up teammates from below the goal line.”
He describes his game as an “offensive player who likes to drive the net and score goals. I’ll keep pushing forward and doing my best, and hopefully that takes me to where I want to go.”
