After Worlds, Paajarvi Looking To Edmonton

After a strong performance at the World Championships, it sounds like Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson is ready to take the next step towards the NHL.

Paajarvi-Svensson was originally named to the Swedish team at this year’s World Championhips in much the same way Jordan Eberle was: as a reserve player, someone who might play but almost certainly wouldn’t take on a significant role. When the World Championships ended, he led Sweden in scoring and was one of the top offensive players in the entire tournament.

And that performance has proven something, not only for Paajarvi-Svensson, but perhaps for the Oilers as well. Paajarvi-Svensson’s father and agent, Gunnar Svensson said that if Edmonton was looking for some kind of final confirmation at the Worlds, they have it now.

Paajarvi-Svensson’s camp expects a contract offer sometime this month, and while the young forward said he would need to sit down with his parents and discuss it, all indications are that his career in Sweden is over, and that he’ll be coming over to North America next season.

It’s possible that the Oilers will go slowly with Paajarvi-Svensson, starting him in the AHL, but unlike most prospects he has already had experience and success playing against men, and after his performance in the Elitserien this year he must be regarded as a very strong candidate for a job right out of training camp with the big club.

Between him, Eberle, the first overall pick, there is genuine reason for excitement at the Oilers’ future up front.