An analysis of Mattias Norlinder will make Canadiens fans drool
In Mattias Norlinder, the Montreal Canadiens have a very talented young defenseman with great offensive potential. However, there is no telling what kind of career he will have in the NHL. Patrik Bexell, a Swedish blogger who covers the Canadiens' prospects in Sweden, has been watching Norlinder closely for the past few years.
He did an analysis of Norlinder on Tony Marinaro's podcast. He was very complimentary of the Canadiens prospect:
"We had high expectations for another defenseman from Frolunda a few years ago in Rasmus Dahlin. He lived up to expectations in his first NHL season. I don't think Norlinder would be that far off from Dahlin, if he ever plays for the Habs this year."
Bexell also elaborated on what Norlinder would need to be in the exact same spot as Rasmus Dahlin: "Dahlin sees the game very quickly and intelligently. Norlinder has that opportunity as well. Can he adjust to being as fast as Dahlin? That's the main thing that worries me about Norlinder."
That's an analysis that should make fans' mouths drool. You can see the parallel between Norlinder and Dahlin on the ice. Two very mobile, talented defensemen who can bring a spicy offensive touch.
Recall that Dahlin was the first pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He has accumulated a total of 107 points, including 18 goals, in 197 games with the Buffalo Sabres since his arrival in the NHL. He's only 21 years old, so he'll only get better. If Norlinder can be mentioned in the same sentence as this one, it just raised the hype level for the young man a few rungs.
