All Hail The King.
Posted: 23 Sep 2019, 21:35
Ottawa Senators sign star Swedish winger Nicklas Hansen
As the Ottawa Senators begin their first season into their official rebuilding period after sending the likes of Erik Karlsson, Matt Duchene, and Matt Stone away in trades in the past two years, they have added yet another youthful prospect to their ranks, pinching Swedish Hockey League star Nicklas Hansen away for a one-year, two-way contract as the 2018-19 season approaches. Hansen joins fellow young guns such as Thomas Chabot, Colin White, and Brady Tkachuk in the youth movement the Senators hope pays dividens at the end of their rebuilding process.
Hansen, 20, has played the past two seasons with Brynas IF, being awarded the Golden Puck trophy for the Ice Hockey player of the year this past season. The previous season, he was awarded the Hakan Loob Trophy as the goal-scoring leader when he led the SHL with 32 goals. Hansen was slated to participate with Brynas IF in this upcoming decision but decided to opt out of his contract to pursue NHL prospects.
"Nicklas is one of the most talented players we've seen in a while, and to have the opportunity to have him join our team - it was a no-brainer" commented General Manager Pierre Doiron, who has been under fire as of late as he has conducted what has been defined as a firesale just a few seasons after the Senators were one goal away from a Stanley Cup Finals berth. The Senators lost in double-overtime to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals and haven't sniffed the playoffs since.
Despite Hansen's goal-scoring prowess, he's described more of a pass-first prospect. His game of finesse and ability to play with immense speed is expected to bring a necessary sense of offense to a Senators' squad that has been thirsting for a producer for a while. Due to his late arrival to training camp, Hansen is expected to begin the season in the American Hockey League with the Senators' farm team, the Belleville Senators.
Hansen was unable to comment himself, but a representative of his provided a comment. "Nicklas is extremely excited to further develop his game with such a high-class organization such as the Ottawa Senators. He understands how the system works, and although he is disappointed he won't get an opportunity to start with the pro club, he is excited to hit the ice with his North American teammates."
Nicklas Hansen has notably only performed in North America once, when he dressed for Team Sweden during the 2017 World Junior Championships in Montreal, Quebec. Sweden finished fourth and Hansen finished with a single goal and three assists.
The Ottawa Senators have had excellent success with Swedish-born players, with the likes of long-time team captain and franchise leader Daniel Alfredsson hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden. Their most recent captain, defenseman Erik Karlsson, won two Norris Trophies as the league's top defenseman before being traded to the San Jose Sharks last year. The Sens hope the likes of Hansen, as well as Swedish defensive prospect Erik Brannstrom undo all the tragic memories of players walking out their doors sooner rather than later.