Anaheim Ducks‘ 1st round pick in the 2012 draft (#6 overall) Swedish defenseman Hampus Lindholm(4) goes from playing under 18 leagues and tournaments in his home country to signing a three-year entry level deal that potentially causes him to make an appearance in the NHL, if it wasn’t for the nasty little word that keeps anything from happening: lockout.
With that going on he starts the rookie season of his North American pro career reassigned to AHL affiliate Norfolk Admirals.
In 19 games he’s posted his first professional hockey goal and added 4 assists with a +2 plus/minus on a team that lets up more goals than it gets.
At 6’3″ 195 lbs. he’s pegged to be the type of all around defenseman every team wants in their lineup.
He’s currently the youngest player in the league but left his team temporarily to compete in the 2012 World Junior Championships, which Sweden won last year.
