Marcus Sylvergard
Photo credit: McKeen's Hockey

LATEST | The next Andrei Kuzmenko identified? Canucks are in the running

Published March 11, 2024 at 8:15 PM
BY FELIP GOSSELIN
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The Canucks' scouting department has excelled ever since Allvin and Rutherford took over. Especially when it came to undrafted free agents, Andrei Kuzmenko and Nils Aman are the perfect examples.

Even though he no longer plays with the Canucks, Kuzmenko did offer the Canucks a heck of a first season with 39 goals and 74 points. It appears that they may have set their eyes on the next big undrafted free agent.

Marcus Sylvegard, 24, 6'00'', and 190 pounds, currently plays in Sweden's top league, where he collected 41 points (23 goals) through 50 games and has been under some NHL scouts' microscopes. He's been good enough that a derby has now started. At the moment, the Canucks are in the conversation, but everything points toward the Florida Panthers being in the pole position:

Canucks appear to be one of a few teams chasing undrafted/unsigned SWE RW Marcus Sylvegard. It is a decent size and is said to be good in both zones. He plays with an edge but has difficulty composing himself emotionally on the ice. Florida Panthers are reportedly front runners for his service. #Canucks #NHLTwitter




The scouting reports, to his effect, have been remarkably consistent through the years and fit right into Rick Tocchet's alley. Known to be an emotional player with a strong shot and terrific skills, he still needs to learn how to canalize his emotions into positivity for himself and his teammates:

Sylvegård is one flashy player who stands out with incredible speed and physical play. Owns a terrific shot. Aren't afraid to show emotions on the ice. He lacks a bit of routine to control himself whenever the game heats up.

- David Enbom (2019).

Sylvegard has shown consistent will to retrieve pucks, and he battles hard along the wall in both the offensive and defensive zones,

Hockeyprospect.com 2017

Some scouts and analysts have even suggested that Sylvegard could be an impact player upon his arrival. But first, the Canucks will have to come out on top of the race.

The fact that the Canucks already have a decent amount of Swedes in their lineup could play in Allvin's favour. Right-handed shot forward who plays with an edge, wouldn't that be an excellent complement to Nils Hoglander and Elias Pettersson?
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March 11   |   1729 answers
LATEST | The next Andrei Kuzmenko identified? Canucks are in the running

Should the Canucks take a real shot at signing this youngster?

Worth the shot113765.8 %
Only for an entry level deal48628.1 %
Don't waste time on it1066.1 %
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