The Anaheim Ducks are going to be without the services of defenseman Luca Sbisa for at least a couple of weeks after tweaking his ankle against the Phoenix Coyotes on Monday night.
The team is already dealing with a slowed veteran Francois Beauchemin as he works his way back from off season knee surgery and Sheldon Souray will out until at least early January as he recovers from wrist surgery of his own. So it goes without saying that the Ducks need another defenseman to step up and play some key minutes for them and it's starting to look like 19-year-old Hampus Lindholm is making a strong case for himself to do just that
Lindholm has played in two of Anaheim's three preseason games and is averaging just a hair less than 19 minutes per game. The kid has already shown that he is not afraid to get involved offensively. Lindholm managed to get on the score sheet in both games, including scoring the game winner on the road Wednesday night against the Colorado Avalanche.
The smooth skating defenseman is listed at 6'3" 199 lbs and is not done growing yet. He posses a deceptively accurate shot and has the wherewithal to hold the puck long enough to find a shooting lane before releasing his shot. He's also proven to be quite versatile and head coach Bruce Boudreau has given the youngster ice time on both the penalty kill and power play.
This is how Elite Prospects describes the native Helsingborg Sweden...
From EliteProspects.com -
Quite the all-round defenseman with good size and mobility. Skates well and does not mind joining the rush. Hockey sense is impressive and so are his puck skills. Does not shy away from the rough stuff, although not an overly physical player. Used on the man advantage as well as in shorthanded situations. (EP 2012)
Lindholm is essentially a boy trying to play a man's game and still seems to be prone to a defensive mistake or two. still, it's definitely nothing that can't be corrected with a little coaching and experience. I know I enjoyed watching him out on the ice and I thought he brought a valuable dimension to the Ducks blue line.
Whether or not you think Lindholm needs more time in the AHL before making the jump to the NHL, you still have to admit that this kid possesses a unique skill set and one that is worth taking an extra look at even if it is just until some of the banged up vets get back in the lineup.
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The Ducks made several more cuts on Thursday afternoon.
Assigned to Norfolk (AHL)
Max Friberg – Center/Left Wing
Kevin Gagne - Defenseman
Antoine Laganiere – Center
John Mitchell – Left Wing
Andrew O’Brien – Defenseman
Charlie Sarault – Center
Zack Stortini – Right Wing
Chris Wagner – Center/Right Wing
Stefan Warg – Defenseman
Steven Whitney – Center/Right Wing
Released from pro tryout and assigned to Norfolk (AHL)
Maxime Sauve – Left Wing
Teigan Zahn – Defenseman
Yes, it's almost October.
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