The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan authored a profile of Red Wings 2018 draft pick Jonatan Berggren, an undersized but highly-skilled Swedish forward:
At Skelleftea in the Swedish junior league last season, Berggren had 18 goals and 39 assists in 38 games. Berggren scored 22 goals in 26 games three years ago playing Bantam level in Sweden, and during the camp at Little Caesars Arena, showed a goal-scorer’s touch.
“Real speedy forward, great intensity, and he has a good feel for the net,” [Hakan] Andersson said. “We’re happy to have him for sure.”
And make no mistake, Berggren is glad to be in the Wings’ organization. As a youngster growing up in Sweden, Berggren was a big fan of the Wings, and specifically, Henrik Zetterberg.
“Oh yes, because of all the Swedes (on the roster),” said Berggren, after a development camp practice last month. “The Wings were my favorite team when I was a child. Zetterberg was my favorite player. I haven’t met him yet. I’m happy to be a Red Wing.”
But not happy, entirely, about the entire draft process. Berggren had a fine season in juniors, and was one of Sweden’s best players during the world under-18 tournament (five goals, five assists in seven games).
But despite the good offensive numbers and physical skills, teams passed on Berggren during the first-round of the NHL Draft.
“It was a little disappointing not to be picked (in the first round),” Berggren said. “I was sad. I had a good season. So to be picked by Detroit, it was amazing.”
