Mattias Norlinder

September 2024 – Once one of the most highly regarded prospects in the Montreal Canadiens system, Mattias Norlinder has officially left the team by signing a two-year deal with MoDo of the SHL. While there was a reported contract on the table to return to the Montreal Canadiens organization, a successful crowdfunding campaign sealed the deal for the offensive defenseman. We will see if the six NHL games Norlinder got early in his career are the only ones he ever plays. Aaron Itovitch

May 2021 – Norlinder had an up-and-down regular season in the SHL where he finished with ten points in 35 games. However, he really showcased his potential during the playoffs as he led Forlunda in both goals and points in their seven-game playoff run. The dynamic defenseman also showed improvements in the defensive side of the game as he was one of his team’s top players in average time on ice, playing in important minutes against other team’s top players. Pablo Ruiz

April 2020 – Norlinder had an above-average season as a 19-year-old in Allsvenskan for MODO. He continued to build on the skills that make him an intriguing prospect, which is mainly his hockey IQ. His ability to slow down the game and make a good first pass is what sets him apart from other defensemen his age. He is very smart with the puck and it gives him more time to use his above-average skill set of speed, puck handling, and playmaking. He is likely to play another season in Sweden as there is no plan to bring him over to North America. Pablo Ruiz

December 2019 –  Filling an organization need, the left-handed defenseman was drafted 64th overall. Norlinder was invited to Sweden’s World Junior selection camp earlier this month. He is already making a great impression in the hockey world playing for MODO Hockey in Allsvenskan with six goals and 14 points in 24 games. Beginning last year, he found himself on the top pairing almost exclusively with former NHL veteran Tobias Enstrom. With top-four NHL pairing potential, this could be an exciting showcase opportunity for the young defensemen.  Jesse Sherman