BROSSARD | A picture is worth a thousand words. At the first meeting with the media at the Canadiens’ development camp, David Reinbacher was surrounded by a dozen journalists. There was also a crowd for Lane Hutson.
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Adam Engstrom spoke alone with the Journal representative.
There was no camera in front of his face. The Swede remained in the shadow of Reinbacher, this year’s CH first-round pick, and Hutson, a 2022 second-round pick who had a spectacular offensive season at Boston University.
Engstrom, a third-round pick (92nd overall) in 2022, remains one of the organization’s hottest prospects. We asked him if he didn’t mind going incognito compared to Reinbacher, Hutson or even Logan Mailloux, who however was not available for a meeting with the media as he ended his conversation with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. had not yet reached.
“Yeah, maybe it’s just that I spend more time in the shadows,” he said without any bitterness in his voice. But I don’t dwell on this reality. I do my stuff and intend to go my own way.”
“I have patience and will not rush the plans,” he continued. I believe in my chances of making the NHL in two or three years.
Big season in Sweden
Engstrom, who was 18 at the start of the season last year, found a way to nab a regular defensive position at Rogle BK in Angelholm, a team in Sweden’s top division SHL.
In his first full season in the Swedish Eliteliga, the left-back recorded 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists) in 43 games. In the playoffs, he did even better with five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in nine games.
“I’ve had a good development season,” he said. I feel like I’ve gotten better over the months. I gained confidence and got better playing time. I took my chances in Rogle.
“It was big for me. I felt like I had my place despite being much younger than my teammates and rivals. I know this league now and will be an even more confident defender next season.”
Engstrom and Marco Kasper, a 2022 Red Wings first-round pick, were two of four players under the age of 20.
In the short term, the 1.85m tall and 80kg defender will continue his development in his home country.
“I have one more season in Rogle,” he explained. That’s why I will stay in Sweden this year. At the end of this contract I will review my options.
A teammate of Leo Carlsson
At international level, Engstrom took part in the Junior World Championships with the Swedish team. He was one of the key players in his team’s defensive brigade, collecting three points in seven games.
Photo John Morris / QMI Agency
“I really enjoyed the World Juniors experience,” he replied. It’s probably the biggest hockey win of my young career. I dreamed of wearing the Swedish jersey on the international stage.
In that tournament, in which Sweden lost to the USA in the bronze medal game, Engstrom faced Leo Carlsson, the Anaheim Ducks’ last draft pick.
“I liked playing with Leo. He has incredible talent. I think he’s going to be a very good center in the NHL, he has all the tools to be successful. He is good both offensively and defensively. He’s a very smart player.