Are there any free agents from the KHL that we might be interested in this season? Any updates on V Tkachev?
Lawrence Pilut and Mikael Lindqvist are two guys from Sweden I definitely could see us being interested in.
Lawrence Pilut is a very smart and good LD. 22-23 y/o. American dad who played hockey in Sweden, plays for Fasts old team. Very capable player with the puck. Has grown into the role as a No 1 D in the SHL for his team. Skates and moves really well. He is listed at 5’11 but while he is more of an offensive D he doesn’t play small game really. More the type who you are surprised that he is listed that low. At least if AV is still coaching, I would have a hard time seing a Pilut not make the team, like you can question his upside a bit, but not his capability as a hockey player overall if you get what I mean. He gives you what you want, a finished product.
As a former teammate of both Fast and Andersson I think he might draw some extra attention. Great pro, very goof attitude. Think of a bit of a mix of Jesper Fast and John Gilmour if you get what I mean haha. Is he has that offensive skill of Gilmour that impresses you, the speed etc, but also the professionalism and understanding of the game as Fast have. OTOH like a Gilmour you ask yourself — how much can that offense really amount too?
Mikael Lindqvist is the typical speedy Swedish 5’11 RHS sniper, who due to the conservative Swedish style and over coached SHL plays as much the role of a checker, playmaker, defensive specialist, and what not — as he does the role of a sniper...
After Jesper Bratts insane success in NJ I think some of the attention and good will will spread to these guys too. Lindqvist played for Bratts and Kovacs old club and we have surely seen him some. Lindqvist had a great year in the SHL this year playing very solid hockey. Kind of like with Bratt but also with Arvidsson what you get isn’t someone who will win a spot because he can bury the biscuit more times than his peers. It’s the overall 200 feet game, great speed, smarts and hustle.
The big advantage you get with this guy is that it’s someone who will just play a very speedy and creative offensive game, combine that keep away puck possession game with really going to the inside and driving to the net like Bratt have done in NJ.