Unger Sorum's playmaking skills could pave path to NHL with Hurricanes

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Felix Unger Sorum had traveled to the United States just once prior to his arrival at Carolina Hurricanes development camp last month. So, after getting dressed for his first full day there, he quickly realized he wanted a do-over.

"I went out yesterday, and it was so hot," he said. "I had (long) pants on. It was a bit of a mistake. I should have taken shorts."

But the 17-year-old forward prospect born in Trondheim, Norway, but who represents Sweden nationally, looked the part on the ice, showing his deft passing skills. That's one reason why the Hurricanes selected him in the second round (No. 62) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Unger Sorum was the third-leading scorer on Leksands IF's under-20 team in Sweden last season. At 16, he was its youngest skater, with 46 points (10 goals, 36 assists) in 42 games; his assist total tied for the team lead.

"I would call myself a passer," he said. "I'm a smart player, good in the offensive zone, pretty good in the defensive zone. But I can work a little bit on my skating and shot."

Carolina signed Unger Sorum to a three-year, entry-level contract on July 15, but he will return to Sweden this season. He's eligible to return to his under-20 team, but he could join Leksand IF of the professional Swedish Hockey League. Unger Sorom did not register a point in seven SHL games last season, but the experience prepared him for his next step.

"The speed wasn't so different," he said. "It was more about strength and the structure in the game. I think it went well.

"I'll try to focus on my team in Sweden now. If it's the juniors or the men's team, it doesn't matter that much. I'm more just taking it as it comes. I don't have any expectations."

The Hurricanes have a clear view of his skillset; they believe he is an ideal complement to forward Bradly Nadeau, who they selected with the No. 30 pick in the 2023 draft.

"Unger Sorum is probably more of a playmaker, just a very, very high hockey sense," Carolina development coach Peter Harrold said. "We're looking forward to seeing him again in the pro leagues over in Europe this year. When he gets here, I think he's going to be more of a playmaker, but that's the funny thing. Hopefully, he can add different dimensions to his game as he gets older."

Unger Sorum said he models his game after a forward he watched develop in the SHL.

"I like to watch (Detroit Red Wings forward) Lucas Raymond," he said. "He's a right wing from Sweden. He's pretty much the same size as me. He's a really skilled player."

As for his own career path, Unger Sorum recognizes he is one of the youngest players selected in the draft.

"I don't have any expectations to get here," he said. "If I would get to the NHL, it would just be a dream and an amazing thing."

Until then, Unger Sorum will develop his game in familiar surroundings, with one eye on a future far away.

"I live in a really small village in Sweden, so everything is bigger and different for me here," he said. "I don't know so much about the U.S., but what I've heard from people and seen so far, it seems like a really good place."