The trade deadline is past us, but roster construction and a longer-term view remain in focus. As the Flames enter into a retool, rebuild, or re-whatever they want to call it, they’ll need players to slot into their lineup if others are moved.
In a piece for Swedish newspaper Expressen, Johan Svensson reports that the Flames have expressed interest in Sylvegard, along with the Florida Panthers and the Colorado Avalanche. Sylvegard will be signing a contract to join an NHL team during the summer.
Who is Marcus Sylvegard?
Sylvegard is a 24-year-old Swedish right winger. The 6’0″, 190 lbs right shot winger certainly fits a need in the Flames organization. The Flames could use some more right shots. And with Sylvegard’s keen physical play and shot, he could slot well into NHL ice. The Flames do have a lot of wingers in their NHL and AHL ranks already, but if they move out a few bodies, Sylvegard could fit in.
Here are Sylvegard’s stats in the last three seasons in the SHL:
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Malmo Redhawks | 44 | 11 | 7 | 18 |
| 2022–23 | Malmo Redhawks | 52 | 17 | 24 | 41 |
| 2023–24 | Vaxjo Lakers HC | 51 | 23 | 18 | 41 |
Calgary can build away from the draft
Could this be similar to Andrei Kuzmenko signing with the Canucks a few years ago? He translated his effective KHL seasons into a 39-goal, 74-point season with the Canucks. Sylvegard has consistently gotten better year over year, and his 23 goals this season are second in the league. His 41 points place him at 7th in the league right now. The Flames could always use more goal-scoring.
It’s important for any team to build from the draft, but attracting players in other situations and getting them to sign with the team is just as important. Hopefully the Flames can execute some long-term plays and make good of their scouting to build on their vision.
Photo courtesy of Vaxjo Lakers OFFICIAL on YouTube
