"Amazing feeling," said Nordgren, shortly after hearing his name called in Dallas.
"It's very exciting to go to the Chicago Blackhawks, one of my favorite teams in the NHL."
Nordgren watched Blackhawks games on television back home in Finland, and quickly grew his admiration for fellow winger Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks star has accumulated more than 300 NHL goals in the regular season since entering the league during the 2007-08 season. Visions of lighting the lamp in a Blackhawks uniform like Kane now run rampant through the mind of Nordgren.
"I like their players, I like their fans and the city," Nordgren said of Chicago.
Although taken in the third round, Nordgren could pay off for the Blackhawks. Despite his diminutive stature, the Finn is big on talent. He was NHL Central Scouting's 21st ranked European Skater. Scouts all agree on what gives him a chance to make it.
"Great goal scorer," said Blackhawks Senior Vice President/General Manager Stan Bowman.
"He has great instincts around the net," added Vice President of Amateur Scouting Mark Kelley. "He has a really good stick in traffic. I think if you look at him and track his goals, they're goal-scorer's goals. He gets in the dirt, he's not afraid and he's just got a really great release."
Even external scouting services tab Nordgren as quite the offensive talent.
"A triggerman who recognizes opportunities instantly and seizes them intelligently," said Red Line Report. "Excellent hands and finisher who can score in a variety of ways. Makes plays at full speed. Sees the ice well and is a good set-up guy."