It was down to Nashville, Chicago and Detroit for Victor Ejdsell in April of 2017 when he was looking to sign as a free agent that would eventually take him to the NHL.
The undrafted 6'5 Swedish centre opted to sign with the Predators shortly after watching them walk over and complete the sweep in game 4 vs. the Blackhawks.
I'm sure that didn't play too much into his decision other than he was loving the way the Preds young team was playing with a ton of skill and speed.
Now, after the Hawks sent Ryan Hartman to Nashville, Ejdsell finds himself in Chicago. Ejdsell mentioned at the time of the trade that other than a prospect camp in 2017, he hadn't spent much time in Nashville, so he wasn't too attached.
Well, good, because the Hawks may need your full attention this year.
Will Victor Ejdsell make the Chicago Blackhawks this year?
Originally, I would have said that he could use most of the year in Rockford to hone his skills on the North American sized playing surface, however, due to the lack of additions in the form of goal scoring up front by Stan, I'm starting to change my mind.
First, let me reiterate what I mean by "make the team" because I think at the very minimum, Ejdsell plays some games with the Hawks.
I'm looking at players in this series that A) will be on the Chicago Blackhawks opening night roster and/or B) be called up in the 1st half of the season and make an impact as an everyday player (whether it be in a top or depth role).
When evaluating the forward group up front it looks like Victor will have a great shot to crack the roster on opening night.
My main concern would be his speed. I thought the Hawks were looking to get younger and faster? If they have Anisimov, Kunitz, Hayden, Ejdsell and/or Martinsen inserted into the 4 lines dressed, I'm "worried" about their speed game too much as an opponent.
What Ejdsell does have going for him though:
* his size (6'5 / 214 lbs)
* his experience (he's 23-years old and has been playing in the SHL)
* his versatility (a natural centre who can play the wing)
* his offensive skill set (especially that NHL-calibre shot)
When looking at the above, he appears to be a lock, no?
Well, I just don't know exactly where he fits at this point. I know some have placed him on the LW with Schmaltz and Kane. I guess that could work, although, I feel like Coach Q already has his eye on that Saad-Schmaltz-Kane combo.
When Ejdsell came up for his 6-game stint (which resulted in 1 assist), he was centring with Sikura and Debrincat on his wings. Obviously they Hawks staff wanted some skill around him, as well as, utilize his size with 2 smalled wingers.
Ejdsell is big but isn't mean or overall physical. He does do a great job protecting the puck, and, like I mentioned has a nasty hard and accurate shot.
His time in Rockford could be a main contributor to him making the Blackhawks this year. He settled in nicely once Colliton moved him to the wing (usually playing him with skill guys Kampf, Highmore, DiDomenico).
He exploded in the playoffs with 7 goals and 12 points in 13 games. He was a key contributor with timely goals during that impressive IceHogs postseason run.
So, I guess I'll really answer the question now. Does Victor Ejdsell make the Blackhawks this year?
Yes.
If he doesn't make the team out of camp, he will be one of the first call-ups.
I eventually see the young Swede as a staple in the Hawks top 9 for the foreseeable future and is the obvious heir apparent to Artem Anisimov (if/when he is moved). If that is the case, we could all look back and say Stan is a brilliant man for moving Ryan Hartman for Victor Ejdsell, Nicolas Beaudin and Philipp Kurachev. Think about that next time you're bashing Stan.
Victor's success this year with the Hawks, in my opinion, would come from him playing RW on a line with players with strong playmaking skills as he is a shooter and finisher (he scored 20 goals in 50 games last year in the SHL).
That could come in the form of Nick Schmaltz, Dylan Sikura and/or Dominik Kahun.
Ejdsell could also find himself as the trigger man on the 2nd PP unit if he can stick with the team.
Number #14 will be in the lineup at some point and signs are pointing to him being in that top 9 to kick off the year.
Victor has one-year remaining on his deal worth $833,750. This will be a big year for him and expect him to be ready to go come September's training camp.
Do you think he makes the team? If so, where should the Victor Ejdsell play – Centre, Wing? Top 6?
See ya out there!
JL
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(courtesy of Elite Prospects)
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