Drafted with the third-round pick that was acquired in the trade that sent Justin Schultz to Pittsburgh, Filip Berglund is definitely a defensive prospect of interest. With a blend of size and skill, Berglund is most often described as a defensive defenceman, but the hope is that there is still a two-way aspect to his game that has yet to be uncovered. Though he has yet to sign his entry-level contract with the Oilers, it’s fair to suggest that Berglund is a prospect to watch closely over the coming years to see how furthers his development. Should he continue to progress, the Oilers could have yet another stable, defensive prospect in their stable.

BIO:

Position: Defence — Shoots: Right
Born: May 10th, 1997 — City: Skelleftea, Sweden
Height: 6 feet 03 inches — Weight: 206 lbs [191 cm/93 kg]
Drafted: 91st overall (3rd Round) in the 2016 NHL Draft
Current Team: Skelleftea AIK — League: SHL

NEWS AND SCOUTING REPORTS

Dustin Nielson had Berglund listed at #13 in his countdown of the Top 15 Edmonton Oilers prospects:
When the Oilers used a third round pick on Filip Berglund in 2016 they thought they were getting a player with some offensive upside. Instead, they have a prospect that’s actually developed into a very reliable defensive defenseman. Berglund played top four minutes for a Skelleftea club that made a trip to the SHL finals last season. I’d like to see this guy in North America.
A big and strong two-way defenseman with good hockey sense and passing ability. Valuable on the man advantage with a strong release and good puck control. Not a speedster and should use his large frame to his advantage.
From NHL Black Book:
He’s one of the better second-time eligibles coming from Europe, had great progression from last year. Has the makings of a big two-way defenseman, I like that he has some skill and vision with the puck on top of that big frame, there’s some offensive upside in him.
Berglund really stands out because of his immense size. He is very calm-looking on the ice and makes a very good outlet passes. A real weapon from the point on the power play, his shot is pro ready and opponents are wise not to try and block it. He’s not a rocket on the skates by any means, but has good mobility for a kid his size. Speaking of his size, Berglund really needs to start using his biggest asset more consistently to his advantage; he needs to be more consistent at leaning on guys and boxing them out using his strength. With his strength and reach, he protects the puck very well and can gain the offensive zone. After the whistle, he is rough against opponents, which earned him respect on the ice. While playing defense, Berglund comes back with the play very quickly and is always the first defender back. He takes his defensive responsibility seriously, trying to keep solid position and playing a tough game when needed.

PRE-DRAFT RANKINGS

VIDEO AND HIGHLIGHTS

Of all the prospects we’ve profiled so far this summer, Filip Berglund has been the most challenging in terms of finding video content, but, once again, Edmonton Future Watch came through with another  wonderful compilation of highlights from Berglund’s 2017-18 season:

SEASON STATS

SEASONTEAMLEAGUEGPGATPPIM+/-PGPGATPPIM+/-
2011-12
Skellefteå AIK U16
U16 SM
3
0
2
2
2
-3
2012-13
Skellefteå AIK J18
J18 Elit
18
2
13
15
10
19
Skellefteå AIK J18
J18 Allsvenskan
2
0
0
0
0
-1
9
0
1
1
4
5
Sweden U16 (all)
International-Jr
8
2
0
2
22
-2
2013-14
Skellefteå AIK J18
J18 Elit
8
2
2
4
0
4
Skellefteå AIK J18
J18 Allsvenskan
7
2
3
5
2
0
Skellefteå AIK J20
SuperElit
5
0
0
0
2
0
2014-15
Skellefteå AIK J18
J18 Elit
7
3
7
10
6
5
Skellefteå AIK J18
J18 Allsvenskan
3
2
1
3
2
-4
1
0
1
1
0
0
Skellefteå AIK J20
SuperElit
37
1
10
11
12
-12
5
0
1
1
2
-3
2015-16
Skellefteå AIK J20 “A”
SuperElit
43
19
22
41
6
8
5
1
3
4
8
5
Skellefteå AIK
SHL
5
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
1
Sweden U19 (all)
International-Jr
4
0
3
3
0
1
2016-17
Skellefteå AIK J20
SuperElit
10
3
4
7
2
4
Skellefteå AIK
SHL
47
0
9
9
10
2
7
0
0
0
0
-2
Sweden U20 (all)
International-Jr
3
0
1
1
0
0
2017-18
Skellefteå AIK
SHL
44
3
10
13
32
12
16
0
4
4
10
7

TOURNAMENT STATS

SEASONTEAMLEAGUEGPGATPPIM+/-
2011-12
Västerbotten
TV-Pucken
8
0
1
1
4
6
2012-13
Västerbotten
TV-Pucken
8
1
8
9
10
4
2016-17
Skellefteå AIK
Champions HL
5
0
1
1
2
-1

Previously: