Gustav Hillstrom
With nine points in his first three games, Gustav Hillstrom is lighting up the U20 Nationell.
The recently renamed U20 Nationell (formerly J20 SuperElit) is the top junior league in Sweden. The Devils have two prospects on the Brynas IF U20 team from their most recent draft class, center Gustav Hillstrom and defenseman Sigge Holmgren. While both have played well, with Sigge Holmgren earning his first point since his lost season from injury, Gustav Hillstrom has really shined, leading the league last week as of Thursday night with nine points in his first three games (four goals, five assists).
Although Hillstrom’s dominance has been at the junior level in his +1 year, the experience may be preferable at this stage of his development. Brynas IF is a stacked team, especially at center, featuring two former NHLers in Niklas Backstrom and Johan Larsson. Earning top minutes in juniors rather than riding the pine or playing limited time in a checking role in the SHL will probably be better for him longterm. At least, so far, the results are encouraging.
Daniil Orlov
The Russian defender has been off to a hot start for Spartak Moskva with six points in seven games, a dizzying pace compared to his 15 points in 52 games last season. The 21-year-old is signed through 2027-28, so it will be awhile before Orlov may be brought over. With the glut of defensive prospects in the system, the Devils can afford to wait.
Around the Pool:
- Goaltender Trenten Bennett followed up a shaky prospect challenge with a stellar 45 save win in his OHL season opener for Owen Sound.
- In other goaltender news, Veeti Louhivaara has been loaned to KeuPa HT of the Mestis and has started the season with a 1-1-1 record and 2.29 GAA to go along with a contradictory .848 SV%. Such is the bizarre world of small sample sizes.
- After missing most of last season with injury, winger Kasper Pikkarainen has been playing on the top line for TPS in the Liiga and has his first point, an assist, for his efforts.
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