The Oilers are reportedly close to signing Swedish defender Theodor Lennström
By Cam Lewis
4 years agoIt appears that Ken Holland is again going to dip into the European free-agent market, this time by signing offensive-minded defenceman Theodor Lennström from Frölunda HC.
According to a report from Kvällsposten, the Oilers and Lennström have mutual interest, but the two sides aren’t able to come to a deal until there’s a transfer agreement between the SHL and the NHL.
Lennström spent last season with Frölunda, posting 15 points in 31 games, which was second-most on the team among defencemen. According to scouting reports, the 25-year-old, left-handed defender is known for his offensive prowess and quick skating.
Lennström is an offensive defensemen who moves quickly on the ice. Great skater. Has a good shot and is fairly good at penalties. On the downside, Lennström needs to work on his defensive game, and improve his positioning in order reach his potential as a top defender. – David Enbom (2019)
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Holland look to Europe to acquire talent. In his first summer at the helm of the organization, Holland made two European signings, adding Joakim Nygard from the Swedish Hockey League and Gaetan Hass from the National League in Switzerland. Nygard and Lennström were teammates on Färjestad BK between 2017-18 and 2018-19.
The Oilers currently have Oscar Klefbom, Darnell Nurse, Kris Russell, William Lagesson (RFA), and Dimitri Samorukov under control for next season on the left side of the blueline, but adding more depth is never a bad thing. With 2019 first-round pick Philip Broberg set to spend another season in Sweden, the Oilers have room on their AHL blueline to take a flyer on a player like Lennström.
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