Canucks Prospect Nils Hoglander Looking To Take The Next Step

Vancouver Canucks fans were happy that they selected Nils Hoglander in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The skilled Swede is looking to take the next step towards the NHL

The left-winger plays for Rogle BK of the Swedish Hockey League. At the time of this writing, he has six goals and three assists in the 19 games with Rogle BK. Last year, he had 7 goals and 7 assists in 50 games.

Hoglander is known for scoring some great goals including this “lacrosse style” goal he scored on October 29.

On being drafted by Vancouver

Hoglander recently spoke on the Canucks Conversation podcast with Canucks Army’s Chris Faber. He spoke about a variety of things including being drafted by the Canucks last June.

“I don’t know what I was thinking, but I was happy to be drafted by Vancouver,” Hoglander said.

“I know they had some Swedish players and they have a Swedish player now in Elias, (Pettersson).”

He also described Pettersson as “sick.”

“For me every NHL player is good to play with, but Elias is sick,” said Hoglander. “It should be fun to play with him someday.”

On playing in the SHL

Hoglander (at the time of this writing.) is on a five-game point streak with Rogle and is very confident in his shot.

“It feels good to play the game,” said Hoglander. “I trust my shot more and I take the shot more.”

Hoglander also touched on his ice time increasing due to getting more goals and points.

“Yeah, a little bit more I will say. I play more on the power play and getting more ice time,” said Hoglander.

On the upcoming World Junior tournament

The 2019 2nd round pick is one of four Canucks prospects that are going to play in the upcoming World Juniors in the Czech cities of Ostrava and Trinec.

Hoglander said he is excited to play for Sweden in the tournament with some of the players he is playing against in the SHL.

“We have some good players and we’re a good team, I’m very excited.” he said. “I don’t have any goals for myself but I want to play in the tournament the best I can and win the tournament for Sweden.”

On improving his game and making the NHL

Hoglander also talked about improving his game and how it helped him make Team Sweden and how he will continue to improve so he can make the Canucks.

“I worked lots on my game without the puck and the defensive plays,” said Hoglander. “I watch video every day with my coaches every day and see what I can learn and I still want to be better in my play without the puck.”

Hoglander was in Vancouver during the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and he said the city is quite similar to the cities in Sweden in terms of weather.

He is also determined to make the Canucks when he comes over next year.

“I will do my best this season and see what happens,” said Hoglander. “It is hard to make the NHL especially in Vancouver but I will do my best and see what happens. Of course, I will play in the NHL.”

Hoglander also said he has played some games on the smaller NHL ice surface in some international tournaments and isn’t too worried about the transition to the NHL Ice.

He also said that he will miss his family when he leaves Sweden.

“I think my family, being away from them is the toughest,” said Hoglander.

The 18-year-old (He will turn 19 on December 20.) is determined to have success in the SHL and World Juniors and hopefully take the next step with the Vancouver Canucks next season.

Stats courtesy of Elite Prospects.Com

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