NHL Future Watch: Nils Lundkvist Hockey Cards, Dallas Stars – Nils Lundkvist was drafted by the New York Rangers with the 28th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. This Swedish defenseman has talent but seeing a path to play in the NHL is important. Sometimes players can face obstacles they didn’t expect.
Lundkvist played for Lulea in Sweden. In 2016-17, he played for the J18 team. As a team captain, he had 19 points in 21 games.
In 2017-18, he moved up to J20 hockey. In 26 games, the blueliner had 14 points. In the playoffs, Lundkvist had five points in six games. During that season, he played in the SHL, the top league. He had five points in 28 games plus a few playoff games. He won the SuperElit Best Defenseman award. That was impressive in his draft year.
In 2018-19, he spent most of the season in the SHL. In 41 games, he had 10 points. He got more playoff experience as well. During this season, Lundkvist represented Sweden in the U20 World Junior Championship. He had two points in five games and won a bronze medal.
In 2019-20, the Swede had a big year in the SHL. He had 11 goals and 31 points in 45 games. Lundkvist won the best junior award. He took in another World Juniors tournament as well scoring eight points in seven games. He got another bronze medal.
In 2020-21, Lundkvist had a superb year in the SHL. He scored 14 goals with 18 helpers in 52 games. He added two goals in seven playoff games. At the end of the year in the World Championship, he had five points in three games. Expectations were rising for him.
In 2021-22, new coach Gerard Gallant didn’t seem to have confidence in the young Swede. In 25 games, he had four points. He was sent to the Hartford Wolfpack in the AHL and that didn’t do a lot for his confidence. His 15 points in 34 games weren’t bad, but it didn’t get him recalled.
Before the 2022-23 season began, he was traded to the Dallas Stars for first and fourth round picks.
NHL Future Watch: Nils Lundkvist Hockey Cards Worth Chasing
The first card to get is his 2021-22 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey Young Guns Rookie. The photo shows him getting back into a defensive position.
A fun card is his 2021-22 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey Young Guns Canvas. The photo on this one shows him in Ranger’s blue.
The last card is his 2021-22 Upper Deck Black Diamond Rookie Sparkling Script. He’s got a great autograph. Get him while he’s inexpensive.
NHL Future Watch: Nils Lundkvist Hockey Cards, Dallas Stars – Stats
Statistical image generated on Hockey Reference 09/30/2022.
NHL Future Watch: Nils Lundkvist Hockey Cards, Dallas Stars – More Resources
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For more from Russ Cohen, follow him on Twitter @sportsology.
Russ Cohen is the author of several top-selling sports related books.
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