Fredrik Sjostrom, a former first-round pick that played six seasons with four different NHL teams, has retired from pro hockey.
The Phoenix Coyotes drafted "Freddie Shoes" 11th overall back in 2001. He spent three seasons in Arizona, posting a career-high 23 points in 2005-06.
Sjostrom was a solid defensive forward who never really got enough ice time to post any significant offensive totals. In 489 career NHL games with the Coyotes, Rangers, Flames and Maple Leafs he scored 46 goals, 58 assists and 104 points.
Perhaps the best comment I saw about Sjostrom's career was he was a poor man's Jere Lehtinen. Like Lehtinen he was a heady and responsible defensive player, but despite having some decent offensive tools, particularly skating ability and passing, he never emerged as a threat. Some suggest Phoenix coach Wayne Gretzky mishandled such young players, not allowing them the opportunity to blossom.
Sjostrom returned to Sweden in 2011 and continued to play in the Swedish Elite League and last year with with Farjestads and Frolunda, the club he represented at the junior and senior levels prior to getting drafted.
1 comment:
Being a Rangers fan, he should have never gotten drafted that high. He lacked the offensive skills to go that high, but he was a very reliable player.
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