Anton Lander Left Off Of Sweden's World Championship Team
by Derek Zona on Apr 19, 2011 6:30 AM MDT
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After playing in six prep games against teams from Latvia, Germany and Slovakia Oilers' prospect Anton Lander was cut from Sweden's World Championship team. Lander, draft 40th overall in 2009, scored a goal and added five assists in the warm-up tour, but Swedish coach Pär Mårts left Lander off of the final roster, a decision that didn't surprise Lander, though for a man who enjoys playing for his country so much, it's certainly got to come as a disappointment.
Lander created a bit of a stir in Sweden and in prospect circles in Edmonton when he was named Captain of Team Sweden for a match against Germany two weeks ago, a decision that came as a shock to Lander. However, Lander's leadership wasn't enough to find him a role on the team, even with so many Swedish stars still competing in the NHL playoffs.
Edmonton fans will, however see a couple of familiar names skating for Sweden - Magnus Pääjärvi and ex-Oiler Robert Nilsson were named to the final group of forwards and Viktor Fasth, the goaltender rumored to be one of Edmonton off-season free agent targets, was also named to the team. Linus Omark was a shoe-in for the roster, but Omark is in Oklahoma City, attempting to dig the Barons out of their 0-2 hole against the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Tre Kronor's final roster:
Forwards:
Jonas Andersson, Dick Axelsson, Mikael Backlund, Patrik Berglund, Jimmie Ericsson, Loui Eriksson, Robert Nilsson, Niklas Persson, Magnus Pääjärvi, Jakob Silfverberg, Mattias Sjögren, Mattias Tedenby, Martin Thörnberg, Rickard Wallin, Tom Wandell
Defensemen:
Mattias Ekholm, Tim Erixon, Daniel Fernholm, Nicklas Grossman, Carl Gunnarsson, Staffan Kronwall, David Petrasek, David Rundblad
Goaltenders:
Erik Ersberg, Viktor Fasth, Anders Nilsson
Calgary Flames fans should be over-joyed at the news that Tim Erixon, one of the few first round picks Darryl Sutter actually made, was named to the team. Erixon, drafted 23rd overall in 2009, was a teammate of Adam Larsson's this season for Skelleftea HC.
Sundsvalls Tidning writer Andreas Ignell also noted that Lander still has yet to make up his mind about his 2011-2012 season, and whether he will play in North America or stay with Timrå is still up in the air. Steve Tambellini has until June 1st to sign Lander to an entry-level contract or relinquish his rights. Lander could sign an ELC and head back to Timrå to compete in the Eliteserien season next year.
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Is this cause for concern?
Just did a quick look at his stats this year. Not shooting the lights out, but doing very well in a tough league for his age group, and his projected role isn’t as a first line scorer. Are his arrows pointing up or down right now?
Arrows definitely still pointing up, in my opinion. The kid is still only 19 (turns 20 in 5 days), and seems to have been in heavy consideration for the final squad which is praise in itself. As Derek said, I think its more that they couldn’t find him a particular role, and they seem to want to mix veteran talent and youth rather than be too inexperienced. Lander is doing just fine, no alarm bells yet.
I definitely wouldn’t say it’s cause for concern, but I guess that depends on how good you think Lander will be. I have his upside as a middle six center who’s hard on the puck and understands how to play the position at both ends of the ice. Not making the WC team two years after being drafted isn’t a big deal.
The biggest fanana of the Havana Bananas.
by Scott Reynolds on Apr 19, 2011 1:02 PM MDT up reply actions
Tom Wandell is a Swede?
I had no idea.
Writer for The Cult of Hockey, The Copper & Blue, and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
Not what we’d consider a Swedish sounding name is it! Same with SJS’s Douglas Murray, sounds more Irish/Scottish than Swedish.
I’m a bit surprised that Tom edged out Anton myself. He’s listed as 6’ 180lbs, so he’s not larger than Lander, and only has 9 points in 75 games, though likely he plies his trade on the 4th line.
I suppose he is 24 years old and did post 41 points in 51 games his one and only full SEL season at Timra. I hope Lander’s offense translates to the NHL better than Wandell’s did.
I’m surprised that Larsson isn’t on this team. Any thoughts about why? Or if that means anything for his arrows going into the draft?
Surprised that an 18 year old defenceman who isnt drafted and has little experience playing pro didnt make the mens National Team for World Championship? Im not.
Insert Witty Comment Here
by VanillaAcid on Apr 19, 2011 12:38 PM MDT up reply actions
Thanks guys
I was looking for Sweden’s roster.
I mooched and linked to you, hope you don’t mind. :p
An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.
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