We know the Sabres love themselves Swedish players, especially offensively gifted defenseman from Sweden — let me introduce you to Victor Soderstrom.
The right-handed shot, blue liner has a game that may sound a lot like some other Sweden Hockey League alums we know here in Buffalo.
"I think they would get a good two-way D with an offensive upside. A good guy on the power play, smooth skater, good hockey sense,” said Soderstrom.
Soderstom is one of the fastest risers in NHL Central Scouting rankings, moving up to #3 in their final European charts — the top defenseman. The meteoric rise even surprised Victor, who said his dream was to get a couple games in the SHL — he ended up with 44, where he tallied four goals and three assists.
"I really got to work on my defensive game during games and practices. I think that is what I developed the most in the last year,” he said.
With the gains he made on the ice, work in the weight room off it is what Soderstrom believes he needs to do the most over the coming years.
"I would say my strength is number one, especially in my upper-body, I need to get a lot stronger there,” said Soderstrom.
And if Buffalo takes him, Soderstrom would love that chance to play with last year's top pick in fellow Swede Rasmus Dahlin.
"That would be cool. I watched him a lot last season in the SHL. See how he did there and he was of course awesome,” said Soderstrom.
In our next profile, we return to offense with forward Trevor Zegras.