Filip Gustavsson
We first wrote about Gustavsson (
https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/sport-chek-prospect-profile-filip-gustavsson/c-46816
) leading up to the 2016 NHL Draft where he was the top ranked European goaltender available. Well a little over 18 months later, there's still a lot to like about the 6'2" Swedish goaltender.
"In this deal we have acquired an elite goaltending prospect and a second first-round pick in June," said Sens GM Pierre Dorion. "We feel that Gustavsson is one of the game's top goaltending prospects, a dynamic talent who has excelled in the Swedish Hockey League as a teenager and was the top goaltender at the most recent world junior championship. Ian Cole is a hard-nosed veteran defenceman who has a long pedigree of success, which includes two Stanley Cups."
Gustavsson was recently named the top goaltender at the 2018 World Junior Championship in Buffalo where he helped Sweden to a silver medal finish. He's been equally impressive during his stint in the SHL this season recording a save percentage of .917 as a 19-year-old in Sweden's top league. As he continues to develop overseas, Gustavsson, who signed an entry-level contract last summer, knows it will help him with his eventual move to professional hockey in North America.
"In terms of the long-term plan, it's clear that I'll be over there," Gustavsson told
www.nsd.se
last summer. "But I won't get there if I'm not a top goalie here in Sweden first because in North America the league is almost twice as good."
