Chicago Blackhawks prospect Gustav Forsling is “in contention” for a roster spot on Team Sweden for the 2016 World Championship, reports Chris Block of ThirdManIn.com.
Block cites the looming decision as the reason Forsling has yet to join fellow countrymen Robin Norell with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL. Norell signed a three-year, entry-level contract March 31 then an amateur tryout contract with Rockford for the rest of the season.
Forsling, 19, recently scored a goal with two assists in Sweden’s tune up game against Switzerland on April 7. The 6-foot defenseman had two goals and an assist for the Three Crowns during the World Junior Championships earlier this year.
Sweden is expected to announce its roster for the tournament after its final tune up game against the Czech Republic on April 29. I spoke with Zeb, HabsEOTP.com’s European writer, about Forsling’s odds of joining the Swedes and/or signing with Rockford.
I would also assume that if he becomes the odd man out that he stays in Europe/Russia in order to fill in if NHL players wont make it because of injuries, etc.
World Champs is huge here (Sweden), it is what most people dream of in many ways when playing pond hockey or street hockey growing up. Its much much bigger than an AHL playoffs.
Chicago acquired Forsling from the Vancouver Canucks in exchanged for defenseman Adam Clendening in January 2015. He tallied six goals and 15 assists in 21 games for Linköping HC in the SHL last season. He added a goal and two assists in six playoff games.
Blackhawks prospect Tyler Motte will represent Team USA in the tournament, which will take place from May 6 through May 22 in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, Russia.