After a great playoffs in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), the Blue Jackets decided to bring over key contributor, center Kevin Stenlund.
The Blue Jackets and Stenlund were able to reach an agreement on a three-year entry level deal according to the team's press release.
In the regular season, Stenlund scored 13 goals and added seven assists for 20 points in 48 games. He truly began to come into his own during the playoffs, when he put up 10 points in 16 playoff games. He was a big part of HV71's run, often seeing first line ice time.
His team, HV71, recently won the SHL title. Succeeding at the highest level in his home country, a new challenge awaits him in North America. It just won't be happening immediately.
Even with this deal in place, #CBJ expect Stenlund to remain in Sweden (HV71) for at least one more season.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) May 23, 2017
According to Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch, it is believed that Stenlund will spend another year in the SHL with HV71.
At 6'4 and 220 lbs, Stenlund is a big body with great skill. When he makes his way over to the smaller ice in the AHL and NHL, he'll be an impact player from the start.
