The Swedish pipeline continues, as this time the Dallas Stars have signed a defender out of the SHL. John Nyberg has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team today. Nyberg was selected in the sixth round of the 2014 entry draft.
Nyberg made his full-time SHL debut this year for Frolunda, skating in 49 games in the professional league. It was the first time he didn’t spend any time in the Allsvenskan, and he rewarded the team with 15 points. The smooth-skater can contribute at both ends of the rink, and it’s actually the play in his own end that has impressed.
Sean Shapiro of NHL.com linked his scouting report on the 20-year old defenseman:
He does have some of the raw tools to develop into a true offensive defenseman. He makes smart passes out of his own zone, while he has a heavy shot from the point.
Those offensive skills make his upside something to consider, but it’s the stability he’s given Frolunda in the defensive zone that could be interesting right away to Dallas. The left-handed defenseman played mostly on the right side this year, and has a real shot at making the NHL one day.