Quote That May Interest Only Me: Anton Lander

"Anton Lander is not a brilliant technician or some extraordinary playmaker but he has a heart and a drive that makes me think of players like Rod Brind'Amour, Doug Gilmour or Wendel Clark, who became superstars in large part to their attitude and drive...There are very few players in history who have been so important to the elite teams in such an early age."

--Jimmy Hamrin, Timrå IK writer, in his article "Det finns bara en Anton Lander" or "There Is Only One Anton Lander"

Jimmy and I have talked about Lander previously and Jimmy interviewed Anton for us in March of 2010.  In that interview, Jimmy spoke of his perception of Lander.

He sat down and shook my hand and asked what I had and went and bought it. He showed a genuine appreciation towards me and acted genuinely interested in me as a person. It was almost like it was his pleasure to meet me and not vice versa. It is difficult to accept but it feels like he has the ability to make others feel important around him.

Hamrin obviously holds Lander in extremely high regard and in the article above he implores the Oilers to allow Lander to continue to develop his game in the Eliteserien next season.  I'm sure most Oilers' fans would disagree with this line of thinking and would love to see him in Oklahoma City next year.  But Lander toes his own line, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him stay in Sweden for another season.  Remember what he told Jimmy:

C&B: Are you willing to come to North America and play in Oklahoma City in the AHL, or are you intent on moving from the SEL to the NHL?

Lander:  That's a tough question. It depends what Edmonton wants to do. Most importantly I want to feel ready before I'll go, IF I'll go. People in North America sometimes seems to take for granted that you want to go at all costs.