Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings Role Call: Oskar Sundqvist’s Future

Oskar Sundqvist was a nice addition to the Red WIngs lineup.

Published

2 years ago

May 18, 2022

Nate Brown

Red Wings Role Call is assessing every player who held a significant place in the fortunes of the 2021-22 Detroit Red Wings season. We’ll be looking at the highs and lows they experienced during the just-completed campaign, as well as what the future holds for them in Detroit. Today, we feature forward Oskar Sundqvist.

Oskar Sundqvist

Position: Forward

2021-22 totals (GP-G-A-P): 18 – 4-4-8
With Red Wings

Contract Status: Signed through 2022-23 at $2.75M AAV

Season Synopsis

Sundquvist was a har-nosed addition who could fit in to most lines. Better yet, he was a typical Yzerman acquisition. Lauded for his positive personality, it showed almost immediately as he became acclimated in his new home.

“Obviously when you get traded, they wanted you for a reason,” Sundqvist said following the deal. “I think it’s a big opportunity that opens up an opportunity during games to maybe get that extra ice time, maybe extra shift.

“Maybe get into a different role with a little more push forward, so it’s very exciting. You just have to take the chance when you get it.”

In 18 games, Sundqvist had four goals and as many assists with Detroit.

2021-2022 Detroit Red Wings Highlights

Against New Jersey in a 3-0 Detroit victory, Sundqvist opened the scoring for the Red Wings and assisted on Tyler Bertuzzi’s 29th goal of the season. It was his only multi-point game of the season, but his forechecking on the play led to the opportunity that he cashed in on.

Honorable mention: Sundqvist pots the first goal in a stunning 4-3 Red Wings victory over Tampa Bay.

We hear from Oskar Sundqvist after he scores the first of four #RedWings goals Tuesday night in Tampa. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/gnQWArrkbq

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) April 20, 2022

2021-22 Red Wings Lowlights

This is not on Sundqvist at all but the lowlight occurs because it happened to him.

Chasing a two goal deficit against Florida, Sundqvist was assessed a five-minute major for slashing along with a game misconduct. The call was baffling, especially after Moritz Seider was clipped in the head earlier in the contest. No penalty was assessed, either.

The Panthers would score on their extended power play, making it 5-2. It would be more than enough to put the Red Wings away.

Again, a two-minute slash? Not one Red Wings fan would argue. But getting hit with the five and game misconduct is certainly a lowlight, and through no fault of his own.

Oskar Sundqvist is assessed a 5 minute major + game misconduct for this slash. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/6hsA46rRfw

— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) April 22, 2022

What Does His Detroit Future Hold?

Sundqvist is inked for another season and has been a nice addition to a Red Wings roster Yzerman is building with guys he sees as building the new culture.

From the small sample size already, Sundqvist leaves nothing on the ice, and having experience on a Stanley Cup-winning team is another reason Yzerman brought him into the fold.

Former Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill pointed to his team-first effort in the final game of the season.

“I think what’s impressive is a guy like Sundqvist blocks a shot last night, is clearly hurt, limps to the bench,” Blashill said. “He’s won Cups and he didn’t feel great today, he was in pain today and he still puts his gear on makes sure he goes out and plays really hard, good hockey.”

Sundqvist stands to be an important role player as the Red Wings approach respectability. As Yzerman adds to the roster, Sundqvist will likely add even more to the team.