Swedish-Born Prospect Went Undrafted in 2024 NHL Entry Draft
Alexander Zetterberg has the skill to play high-level hockey. He moves with the puck incredibly well, able to pass by defenders thanks to a mix of speed and body control while stickhandling. He finds open space efficiently and knows how to play off the boards.
The one problem—in the eyes of all 32 NHL teams who did not draft him—is being undersized. Zetterberg stands at roughly five-foot-eight and weighs in at approximately 160 pounds. This makes his shifty skill set and elite stick control necessary for his size.
Still, his 21 goals and 58 points in the Swedish Junior League were enticing enough for the Canadiens to invite the 18-year-old to their development camp last week, even if it was an invitation via text message.
During a media availability with Montreal journalists, Zetterberg spoke on going undrafted.
“It was tough of course,” Zetterberg said. “I’m just looking forward and I’m still the same player as I was before. So, it’s [important] just to keep going.”
Zetterberg also spoke on being undersized.
“Many teams are afraid of the shorter players. Of course, I knew that. So, that’s probably the main [reason I wasn’t selected],” he said. “I’m trying to stick to my game and I know what I’m good at, so I’m trying to keep going with that.”
Zetterberg will get a taste of North American ice hockey play this upcoming year as a part of the Boston University Terriers team in the NCAA. Despite not being signed by the Canadiens following development camp, he is optimistic that NCAA competition will help with his growth.
“I feel like, as a smaller player, it’s harder to go up in the SHL,” Zetterberg told the media. “More years in college to develop and work on my strength and the other things I need to work on… Coming into the season stronger. I’ve got a lot of work to do in the gym. So [focusing on] getting bigger.”
