The Islanders have locked up one of Sweden’s top goaltenders, inking prospect Linus Soderstrom to a three-year entry-level deal. While Soderstrom isn’t expected to come over to North America right away, getting him signed is an important step for the Islanders as they continue to build their future between the pipes.
Soderstrom, 20, put up an incredible .943 save percentage as a rookie in the Swedish Hockey League this season, going 18-4 for HV71. His playoff numbers while slightly worse, were still a sparkling .922 save percentage and 2.11 GAA. His play—along with that of fellow Islanders’ prospect Ilya Sorokin—should excite Islanders fans as they look to the future.
Drafted in the fourth round, Soderstrom is part of what is turning into an excellent looking crop for the Islanders in 2014. Along with Sorokin (3rd round), the Islanders added Josh Ho-Sang and Michael Dal Colle in the first round and Devon Toews in the fourth. All five players have a chance to make the NHL at some point, though only Ho-Sang has made it thus far. Soderstrom is big, talented and athletic and will likely continue his development in Sweden next season.