Defenseman Anton Malmstrom from Bowling Green State University is drawing some NHL interest as the end of the college hockey season approaches, reports Bally Sports Midwest’s Andy Strickland. After attending St. Louis Blues development camp last summer, Strickland says they remain the front-runner to sign him.
Malmstrom is not a name most hockey fans will be familiar with. Passed over in his draft year, 2018, Malmstrom spent two more seasons in his home country of Sweden before crossing the Atlantic to play at Bowling Green.
He’s far from an offensive force, but strong defensive structure in his game earned him a four-game call-up to the SHL’s Djurgardens IF in his last year in Sweden, 2019-20. In three seasons since with Bowling Green, including the current year, Malmstrom has seven goals and six assists for 13 points in 85 games.
While those offensive numbers aren’t eye-popping, Malmstrom hasn’t produced much above U18 play. It’s clearly not the calling card of his game, though, and his defensive play has been strong enough to warrant past and present interest from NHL teams. Malmstrom also participated in the Boston Bruins development camp in 2021.
His 6’4″, 203-pound frame certainly adds to the appeal. Now with another season under his belt in North America, Strickland’s report suggests NHL teams are ready to extend a financial commitment to Malmstrom’s furthered development.
Is this worthy of a story?
We consistently cover undrafted free agents drawing notable NHL interest
I guess that’s the whole purpose of this site, isn’t it? Covering moves and probable moves of pro hockey teams with a focus on the NHL.