Liam Öhgren is focused on getting better every day as he continues to find his footing with the Vancouver Canucks.
Since arriving in Vancouver, Öhgren has found himself in a group with plenty of young talent and potential. With a shared goal of building something in Vancouver, the forward is excited about what the team can accomplish together.
“It's exciting, and I think right from when I got here, it's been a great spot for me to be in, and to have a lot of young guys with a lot of potential that can build something together, it's special,” Öhgren said. “I think it will only get better and better every year, and hopefully someday end up being really good."
The focus for the 22-year-old has been on steady improvement, both individually and as part of a group learning to play together. As the Canucks open the season against some of the league’s top teams, those early challenges have offered valuable opportunities to learn and adjust.
Öhgren has been navigating the ups and downs of his own game while continuing to find ways to contribute. He said his approach has remained consistent, with an emphasis on working hard and improving each day.
“For myself, I've felt like I've been a little up and down, and but [I] just keep working and try to get better every day,” Öhgren said.
Since making his NHL debut with the Minnesota Wild, Öhgren has also gained a better understanding of what it takes to establish himself at the highest level. In Minnesota, he was primarily playing fourth-line minutes and focusing on limiting mistakes and fulfilling his role.
In Vancouver, he’s been presented with a different challenge, as he’s had opportunities to play higher in the lineup, Öhgren is working to make the most of his minutes and trying to make an impact offensively. The opportunity has made him trust his game more than he has in the past.
“It's a huge difference. I didn't feel confident at all last year at this time. In the beginning, I didn't trust myself at all, and it was a hard time,” Öhgren said.
“Getting traded here and getting more opportunities higher up in the lineup, more ice time and get some bounces with me that got me some confidence. After that I just kept going and this year coming in, know where I am and off the ice as well, with getting a place and be settled and all that stuff, it's been huge for me with my confidence.”
With a better understanding of his game and a more settled life in Vancouver, Öhgren wants to take the next step in his game. Rather than worrying about the results or his place in the lineup, he is concentrating on making the most of his opportunities and helping the Canucks grow.
Listen to this and much more as Öhgren joins Chris Faber on the latest episode of the Canucks Insider Podcast.
