MONTREAL — Adam Edström found himself in Sweden during the 2019 NHL Draft. Due to the time difference, he recalls being “pretty much asleep” when the New York Rangers selected him in the sixth round. However, that moment still left a significant impression on him. His dream of playing in the NHL became more tangible.
“I would probably say getting drafted was when it kind of hit me that I could get (to the NHL),” he reflected.
Fast forward five years, and Edström has reached his goal, at least for now. The Rangers included the 24-year-old on their opening night roster, and he has participated in all five games of the season thus far. While he has yet to find the back of the net, he boasts a plus-1 rating.
Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, Edström is averaging just 7:27 of ice time per game this season, a drop from the 8:07 per game he recorded in 11 appearances last year. This limited ice time can be somewhat misleading, though. He received a game misconduct for fighting Utah’s Jack McBain after only 1:52 of play in the second game of the season. Excluding that match, his average jumps to 8:50 per game. The Rangers have a 58.63 percent expected goal share with him on the ice, according to Natural Stat Trick, indicating his effectiveness on the ice.
Jimmy Vesey (lower body) remains sidelined. When he returns, the Rangers may have to make a tough choice. They could either send Edström or Matt Rempe down to the minors, or attempt to move Jonny Brodzinski through waivers. Although Vesey is on long-term injured reserve and hasn’t skated with the team yet, he has been practicing on his own.
I recently had a good conversation with Edström in Detroit, and some insights from that discussion will feature in this week’s observations column, which will also include highlights from both Detroit Red Wings games and Saturday’s matchup in Toronto. I’ve compiled 15 observations this week to honor the Rangers’ plus-15 goal differential in regulation.
1. Growing up, hockey wasn’t Edström’s sole sport of focus. He also played soccer and engaged in bandy, a winter sport popular in Scandinavia. Although he was always tall, he experienced a significant growth spurt during his early teenage years.
“Then I kind of became the tallest guy,” he remarked.
His fight against McBain marked the first of his career at any level, yet he has always relished the physical aspect of hockey. He noted that he tries to use his body whenever possible.
2. Edström made his first journey to North America at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season. He participated in three regular-season games for the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack and five more during the playoffs. This experience proved invaluable, allowing him to adapt to the smaller ice surfaces in North America compared to Europe. By the following year, in what was his first full season in North America, he felt “ready to go.”
3. His fellow countryman Mika Zibanejad found Edström easy to connect with during the young player’s first training camp. Zibanejad, 31, has observed Edström’s growing comfort level and is “impressed more every day” by his progress.
“You get more out of it when you’re playing on instincts, and he’s doing so,” Zibanejad stated. “I’m happy for him. I’m glad he’s here, and I hope everything continues to go in the right direction.”
Having an older countryman around has been beneficial for Edström.
“It’s always nice to have a Swedish guy to talk to in Swedish and raise any questions I might have,” he explained. “It’s great to have someone to ask, and he’s been wonderful. His entire family has been fantastic.”
4. Shifting focus from Edström, let’s talk about another Swede: former Rangers defenseman Erik Gustafsson. He spent only the 2023-24 season with New York, but clearly made plenty of friends during his time with the club. Now a member of the Red Wings, he dropped by to see his
During the old team’s morning skate on Monday, he reconnected with former teammates. He engaged in conversation with Zibanejad, embraced Adam Fox, and even felt Vincent Trocheck’s beard.
The seasoned defenseman did not participate in the game at Madison Square Garden but suited up on Thursday in Detroit. The Red Wings utilized him on the power play, where he garnered an assist late in the Rangers’ 5-2 victory. However, he also incurred two penalties and was reminded, as he learned last year, that the Rangers’ power play can be quite effective. The unit capitalized on one of the power plays that Gustafsson helped create.
5. On Monday, the Madison Square Garden jumbotron displayed a “Welcome back, Patrick Kane!” graphic during a break in the game. Kane seemed to miss the moment, likely unprepared for the gesture since he was with the Rangers only for the latter part of the 2022-23 season. Having signed with Detroit in the midst of the 2023-24 season, he did not play at Madison Square Garden last year.
“I had a great experience here,” Kane stated before the game. “The energy of the city, the vibe of the building, and the organization are truly unmatched, particularly in this venue. I loved my time here.”
6. I verified with Zac Jones that he indeed attempted to score a Michigan goal in Detroit. After some investigation, I believe that would have marked the first Michigan goal scored at the NHL level in Michigan.
7. Sergei Fedorov’s No. 91 is not honored in the rafters of Detroit. At one point during Thursday’s matchup, the jumbotron focused on a man wearing a Red Wings shirt. He turned to reveal that the back of his shirt read “Retire 91.” The camera quickly shifted away.
8. Trocheck seemed to deliver a significant hit on Joe Veleno behind the net in Detroit, although he clarified that it was more accidental than it appeared.
“The puck was going behind the net, and we were moving in opposite directions,” Trocheck explained. “He lost a bit of an edge.”
9. Igor Shesterkin concluded Saturday night in second place on Evolving Hockey’s goals saved above expected leaderboard with a total of 6.28.
10. Kaapo Kakko has accrued four minor penalties over the last two games. Coach Peter Laviolette acknowledged Kakko’s third penalty against
Detroit encountered some unfortunate moments. He tested his stick’s integrity and inadvertently struck the goaltender’s stick.
“We really have to avoid the penalty box,” the coach remarked.
11. Despite the penalties incurred, Kakko has been part of a highly effective line for the Rangers. The trio of Will Cuylle, Filip Chytil, and Kakko boasts the highest five-on-five expected goals-for percentage (61.4 percent) of any Rangers line that has played over three minutes this season, as reported by Natural Stat Trick.
“They’ve been quite impressive,” Laviolette commented. “They’ve done a great job keeping the puck in the offensive zone, creating opportunities and scoring. From the start of camp, the plan was to assemble that line, allow them to find their rhythm, and nurture their chemistry.”
This consistency has proven beneficial. The effectiveness of the third line is a significant factor in the Rangers’ improved even-strength statistics this season.
12. Leafs head coach Craig Berube previously served as one of Laviolette’s assistants in Philadelphia, making their collaboration extensive. Berube stepped up to lead the team when Laviolette was dismissed midway through the 2013-14 season.
“He was an excellent coach,” Laviolette remarked. “He was meticulous and conducted effective meetings.”
13. Victor Mancini arrived a bit early for the morning skate in Toronto, taking in the sights of Scotiabank Arena. He observed the empty ice and the rows of vacant seats from the bench.
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14. Let’s examine Alexis Lafrenière’s performance over the last half-season. Over his past 41 games, including the playoffs, he has scored 21 goals and accumulated 37 points. This equates to a pace of 42 goals and 74 points, with nearly all of his scoring coming at even strength.
15. The Athletic’s Corey Pronman has been analyzing previous drafts, and insights are increasingly indicating that the 2020 draft was a remarkable success for the Rangers. He positions Lafrenière, the first overall pick, at No. 3 in his re-draft. Braden Schneider (originally No. 19) moves to No. 12, Cuylle (initially No. 60) to No. 30, and Rempe (originally No. 165) to No. 35. Although Brett Berard (No. 134 originally) and Hugo Ollas (No. 197) have yet to make their NHL debuts, Pronman ranks them at No. 71 and No. 77 respectively in his re-draft, placing both in a category of players he believes have the potential to compete in the NHL. The fact that New York is a Cup-contending team with four homegrown players from the 2020 draft in their lineup against Toronto is a testament to the quality of that draft class.
(Top photo of Adam Edström: Luke Hales / Getty Images)
From Draft Dreams to NHL Reality: Adam Edström’s Journey with the New York Rangers
The Early Years: Adam Edström’s Background
Adam Edström, a promising young talent in the world of ice hockey, hails from Sweden. Born in the picturesque town of Umeå, his passion for the game ignited at an early age. With a family background steeped in sports, Edström quickly found his place on the ice.
Rising Through the Ranks: Youth and Junior Hockey
Edström’s journey to the NHL is marked by his impressive performances in youth hockey leagues. He began playing for local clubs, showcasing his skills and game awareness. His dedication soon led him to join the Umeå IK junior program, where he honed his skills and developed into a formidable player.
Key Achievements in Junior Hockey
- **Umeå IK Junior Team**: Contributed significantly to the team’s success in regional competitions.
- **Swedish U16 National Team**: Represented his country, gaining valuable international experience.
- **Scoring Leader**: Finished as one of the top scorers in his junior league, drawing attention from scouts.
The Draft: A Dream Realized
In 2022, Adam Edström’s hard work paid off when he was selected by the New York Rangers in the NHL Draft. This marked a pivotal moment in his career and the culmination of years of dedication and training. The excitement surrounding the draft was palpable, and Edström was ready to seize the opportunity.
Draft Day Highlights
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Draft Year | 2022 |
| Team | New York Rangers |
| Draft Position | 3rd Round, 78th Overall |
Training Camp: Making an Impression
After being drafted, Edström joined the Rangers for their training camp. The intensity was high, but he welcomed the challenge. His time at the camp allowed him to showcase his skills to the coaching staff and to learn from NHL veterans.
Key Takeaways from Training Camp
- Adaptability: Learning to adapt to the speed and physicality of the NHL.
- Skill Development: Working on specific skills, such as puck handling and defensive positioning.
- Networking: Building relationships with teammates and coaches.
First Season with the Rangers
Edström made his official debut with the New York Rangers in the 2023 NHL season. The transition from junior leagues to the NHL is always significant, but Edström’s preparation paid off.
Performance Overview
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 45 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 18 |
| Plus/Minus | +5 |
Challenges and Triumphs
Every athlete faces challenges, and Edström was no exception. The pressure to perform consistently can weigh heavily on young players. However, Edström’s resilience shone through as he navigated the ups and downs of his rookie season.
Overcoming Adversity
- Injury Setbacks: Overcoming minor injuries and maintaining focus on rehabilitation.
- Scoring Drought: Dealing with a goal-scoring slump and working with coaches to refine his shot.
- Adapting to Competition: Learning to compete against seasoned NHL players.
Benefits of Playing in the NHL
Being part of the NHL offers numerous benefits, especially for a young player like Edström. Here are a few advantages he enjoys:
Professional Development
- High-Level Coaching: Access to some of the best coaches in the sport enhances skill development.
- World-Class Competition: Competing against elite players pushes Edström to continually improve.
- Exposure and Opportunities: Playing in New York, one of the NHL’s biggest markets, increases visibility and endorsement opportunities.
Case Study: Edström’s Impact on the Rangers
As a young player, Edström has already begun to make an impact on the New York Rangers. His playing style, characterized by speed and agility, complements the team’s fast-paced game.
Game-Changing Moments
Throughout the season, Edström has delivered several key performances, helping the Rangers secure vital wins. Here are a few standout moments:
- Game-Winning Goal: Scored a dramatic overtime goal against the Washington Capitals.
- Assist in Critical Game: Provided an essential assist during a comeback game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Defensive Play: Demonstrated strong two-way play, earning praise from team officials.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Adam Edström
As the season progresses, the future looks bright for Adam Edström. With continued commitment to his training and development, the potential for becoming a key player for the New York Rangers is within reach.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Players
For young hockey players aspiring to follow in Edström’s footsteps, consider these practical tips:
- Commit to Training: Prioritize practice and skill development on and off the ice.
- Seek Feedback: Learn from coaches and experienced players to identify areas for improvement.
- Maintain a Positive Attitude: Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Adam Edström
In interviews, Edström has shared valuable insights about his journey:
“Dreaming of playing in the NHL is one thing, but the hard work and dedication required to get there is what truly matters. Every practice, every game, every setback prepares you for the next step.”
Final Thoughts from Edström
Edström emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and focused, regardless of the challenges faced. His journey from draft dreams to NHL reality serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.
