Frolunda's assistant coach talks about Habs' prospect Norlinder's development

Montreal Canadiens prospect Mattias Norlinder will step on the ice in Brossard, Quebec Wednesday donning the bleu-blanc-rouge for the first time at their rookie camp. The 21-year-old played in his final SHL game on Saturday and then headed to Montreal to begin his career in North America.

Earlier this month, Patrik Bexell of Habs Eyes on the Prize went to Sweden to talk to Frolunda HC's assistant coach Kristoffer Naslund to talk about how far Norlinder has come in his development.

"Mattias has grown into his role after a year in the SHL. He started very well last year, but got into a dip after his injuries, suffered while with the national team. He worked himself up and finished strong. This year he has started on that level that he finished last season. He is more secure with the puck, covering it better. We knew he would be good offensively this year. He gets to use his shot on the power play as well, and he has scored twice in Champions Hockey League already. It is great to see him play in such a strong power-play unit. A unit that is starting to click, and they start to really understand each other. A lot has happened in that area of the game, for Norlinder, and for us."

The Kramfors, Sweden native was selected by the Canadiens in the third round, 64th overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Norlinder will get an opportunity with Montreal in their main training camp which begins next Wednesday and will more than likely appear in a few preseason games. If he's going to make Montreal's opening night roster, he'll have some competition along Brett Kulak and Chris Wideman who are both vying for a spot on the Canadiens third pairing.

Source: Habs Eyes on the Prize

MUST READ

13 minutes ago  |  By Tom Banks Angry John Tortorella Calls Out One Flyers Player: Trade is Likely Per Elliotte Friedman

1 hour ago  |  By Tom Banks Quinn Hughes Ejected: Suspension May be Coming for the Reigning Norris Winner

2 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Matvei Michkov Stuns With Crazy Quote in Post-Game Interview Following OT Winner

4 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Jeremy Swayman on the Verge of Losing the Starting Role in Boston: His Contract Looks Like a Disaster

7 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Detroit Red Wings Place Massive Six-Foot-Six Forward on Waivers

9 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Connor Bedard's Struggles Prove Chicago Blackhawks are in Dire Need of a Coaching Change

10 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Analyst Believes Toronto Maple Leafs are Exploring Possible Reunion With Nazem Kadri

11 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery 800-Game NHL Veteran Nick Bonino Signs an Unexpected New Professional Contract

MORE STORIES