Islanders Select Holmstrom

The New York Islanders have selected Simon Holmstrom in the first round, 23rd overall, of the 2019 National Hockey League Draft.
Holmstrom, 18, scored 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 21 games with HV71 J20 team of the SuperElit League (Sweden). Also appeared in games for HV71's J18 team and their Swedish Hockey League team during his 2018-19 campaign. He added three points (one goal, two assists) in three SuperEilt playoff games.

A native of Tranas, Sweden has averaged over a point-per-game (50 points in 49 games) over two seasons in the SuperEilt League.
On the international stage, Holmstrom won a gold medal with Team Sweden at the 2018 Under-18 World Junior Championships in his native country. He scored six points (three goals, three assists) in seven games, including a goal in the Gold Medal game vs Russia.
This marked the third time in franchise history that the Islanders picked 23rd overall (1993, Todd Bertuzzi & 1989, Travis Green).