The Anaheim Ducks Playing in the IIHF World Junior Championship

Isac Lundestrom — Team Sweden

Isac Lundestrom was the Anaheim Ducks first-round pick of the 2018 draft. Many of us, myself included, brushed him off as a safe and rather boring pick. Nevertheless, he came into Ducks Camp prior to the season and proved just how dangerous he was on the ice.

He spent 15 games with the Anaheim Ducks this season before being sent down to the AHL to play with the San Diego Gulls. Many were surprised by his choice not to return to Sweden. However, for the sake of his development, I think we can all agree San Diego is the perfect place for him to hone his skills.

There was speculation as to whether or not the Anaheim Ducks would loan Lundestrom to Team Sweden and allow him to compete in the World Juniors this year. Fortunately, we will see him dressed in the trademark yellow and blue jersey of the Swedes.

In the first 12 games of his AHL career, Lundestrom has yet to score a goal. Many are hoping that his time with Team Sweden at the Wolrd Junior Championship will jump-start his performance in with the Gulls when he returns to San Diego.

Team Sweden started the tournament against their longtime rivals, Finland. The Swedes snatched the “W” with a 2-1 win. Lundestrom has a primary assist on Erik Brannstrom’s first goal of the game which put Team Sweden on the board first.

Isac’s second game of the tournament was much more eventful. The young Swede had a two-point night, scoring the final goal for Team Sweden as well as another primary assist and a Brannstrom goal. The Swedes defeated Slovakia 5-2, leaving them undefeated so far in the World Junior Championship with a 2-0 record.

Lundestrom’s skills as a two way forward will go a long way in helping the Swedes make their way to the top this year. He is not only a dangerous presence on the ice, but his skills exceed expectations for a player as young as he is.