Report: Detroit Red Wings Sign Undrafted Swede With Scoring Touch

According to Sportbladet, the Detroit Red Wings have signed soon-to-be Swedish free agent Pontus Andreasson, a 23-year-old forward who finished second among rookie scorers in the Swedish League.

The 5-foot-10 right wing generated 18 goals and 38 points in 52 points for Lulea. He has been impressive in the playoffs with four goals in his first three games. Lulea finished second in the Swedish League behind Rogle.

Pontus Andreasson's 2nd goal of the game (and 6th in 4 playoff games) was a beauty #LGRW pic.twitter.com/OULHi1ELwC

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) April 6, 2022

The Sportbladet said Andreasson benefitted from the good chemistry he had with former NHL player Linus Omark. The 35-year-old Omark posted 21 goals and 58 points in 52 games for Lulea. He had previously played for the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres.  According to a translation of the story, Sporbladet’s reporter called it a “pleasant collaboration.”

The media outlet also reported that Skellefteå’s Filip Roos is signing with the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s a 23-year-old 6-foot-3 defenseman.

Andreasson ranked 28th among Swedish scorers. His +19 plus-minus ranked 12th. He posted three game-winning goals.

The reporter from Sportbladet said that Andreasson is not expected to be ready for the NHL next season. He likely would end up in Grand Rapids. That is  a logical projection, considering Jonatan Berggren, 21, has been there all season.

Red Wings Need Forwards

The Detroit Red Wings are looking to add some forward prospects, particularly centers, through the draft or free agent signings. They arguably have better prospects on the blue line than up front. Detroit Hockey Now views Berggren (45 points in 59 games for Grand Rapids) as Detroit’s best forward prospect, although 6-foot-8 Swedish forward Elmer Soderblom might be the most intriguing forward prospect.

Soderblom, 20, might be coming to North America next season.

He has shown significant improvement this season,  scoring 21 goals in 52 games for Frolunda in the Swedish League: Other notable forwards: Denver University’s Carter Mazur  (14 goals and 36 points in 39 games) and Portland Winterhawks right wing Cross Hanas (24 goals and 81 points in 57 games).

According to Sportbladet, the Detroit Red Wings have signed Pontus Andreasson out of Luleå HF, a 23-year old undrafted forward who was 2nd in SHL rookie scoring this season and currently has 5 points in 3 playoff games. #LGRW https://t.co/LqZHFWDuWt

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) April 6, 2022