Fantasy Summary
Top-four potential if he ever commits to North America.
Observations
Click to Expand
March 2020 – Wikstrand made the jump from the SHL this season but it wasn’t to North America like many had hoped. He joined Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL to start the season and he performed quite well as he put up 32 points in 52 games in his first season in arguably the second strongest league in the world. After a rocky end to his short time in the Senators, who still hold his rights, Wikstrand doesn’t seem destined to ever come over to North America. His simple game and effective puck-moving play into the modern NHL and could have made him a legitimate top-six defenseman in the NHL at this point. After leaving training camp early in 2015 to go back to his native Sweden, partially due to his desire to be close to his brother going through leukemia, the Senators organization played hardball for half of a season before reluctantly allowing him to play in the SHL. After four-years there. his move to the KHL was an obvious step up in competition. It’s unfortunate that Wikstrand is unlikely to come over but the now 26-year-old seems to be thriving overseas which is good to see for a player whose hockey future was in turmoil after going MIA from Senators training camp five years ago. Tony Ferrari
March 2019 – Wikstrand continues to ply his trade in Farjestad. His offense has remained without much growth, averaging under half a point per game. Once thought of as a top tier prospect, Wikstrand’s reluctance to commit to the Senators or any team in North America has significantly decreased his value. Should he decide to come over after his contract ends in 2020, he doesn’t currently project to make a noticeable impact. Jordan Deshane
June 2017 – Wikstrand continued to produce offensively in Sweden, managing four goals and 15 assists playing for Farjestad of the SHL. As a seventh-round-pick Wikstrand had the potential to be an absolute steal of a pick. I use ‘had’ because following an acrimonious breakup with the Senators it’s unlikely that we will see Wikstrand in North America anytime soon, if ever. Unlikely as a member of the Ottawa organization. Brad Phillips
January 2016 – After playing a very public game of chicken through the media, Sens management has finally acquiesced to Wikstrand’s request and allowed him to suit up for Farjestad of the SHL. Through three games Wikstrand has posted a single assist. At this point it’s hard to imagine Wikstrand suiting up for the Senators in the near future, if ever, after bolting for Sweden with $160,000 of the Sens money. Don’t be surprised to his name surface around trade deadline. Brad Phillips
November 2015 – Wikstrand is currently under team imposed suspension after bolting from training camp early on to return to his native Sweden, much to the chagrin of Ottawa management. “I told him that he can go home and be a grocery clerk and play in a beer league, but he could not play hockey in any shape or form if he doesn’t play for the Ottawa organization, and that’s the way it’ll be” said GM Bryan Murray. It was later revealed that Wikstrand’s brother is currently battling leukemia and moved back to be closer to him. There hasn’t been much in the way of working towards a resolution. Assistant GM went on Ottawa radio November 18th where he was asked if there was any updated on Wikstrand “No. Nope. He reached out, if I’m not mistaken, he reached out again to Bryan (Murray) last week and Bryan just indicated to him, ‘You’ll be more than welcome to come to Binghamton. Until then, good luck.” This situation is getting more ugly by the day and it doesn’t seem like there is any end in sight and at this point his future in Ottawa is very much up in the air. With Ottawa looking to add another top-six forward, don’t be surprised to hear Wikstrand’s name surface in trade rumours. Brad Phillips
April 2015 – The 2014-15 season has been another step forward for Swedish defenseman Mikael Wikstrand. The mobile, two-way player has been counted on by second place Swedish Elite League team Frolunda to log big minutes on the blue line this season. In 46 games this season Wikstrand had 20 scoring points which placed him in the top 15 among defensemen in Sweden’s top league. Wikstrand is eligible to play in the AHL next season, where he will slot in as one of the teams top defensemen right away. It may take some time to adjust to the North American style of play, but Wikstrand should be ahead of the curve given that he has played 65 professional games across the pond. Once he makes the jump to the AHL, fantasy owners should keep an eye on the offensive defenseman as he does have the talent to carve out an NHL career. The former late round pick could prove to be a diamond in the rough for the Senators moving forward. Kevin LeBlanc
September 2014 – Mikael Wikstrand is still a bit of a question mark for fantasy owners. The offensive-minded defensemen showed lots of positive attributes in the World Junior tournament with Sweden, moving the puck well and exhibiting strong defensive play in his own end. This player still has a few steps to take before he’s looked at for the NHL level, most notably adjusting to North American ice. But Wikstrand has lots of fantasy upside and has a good chance of seeing NHL action down the road. Nathan Martin
December 2013 – Mikael Wikstrand continues to develop his talents playing for Mora in the Allsvenskan league in Sweden. Although the Sens have some good defensive prospects in their system (Cody Ceci, Mark Borowiecki, Chris Wideman and Troy Rutkowski), the Swede will still get a strong look for the big club. The only thing holding Wikstrand back at this point is his lack of experience on North American ice, something the Sens are very keen on for European prospects. Even Norris-winner Erik Karlsson had to spend time in the AHL before getting a permanent spot on the NHL roster. How Wikstrand plays when he inevitably suits up for the Binghamton Senators will go a long way in deciding his chances of cracking the NHL. Nathan Martin
July 2012 – Wikstrand is a two-way defenseman with good size. While he has decent offensive tendencies, he projects as a bottom pairing, stay-at-home defenseman. In addition to playing 75 games for Mora in Sweden’s second division, Wikstrand has competed internationally for Sweden at the 2011 World U-18 Hockey Championship and has a good shot at earning a roster spot on his country’s squad for the 2013 World Junior Hockey Championship. Evan Hotham
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.