Oscar Moller

Oscar Moller was an intriguing prospect.

The Los Angeles Kings used the 52nd overall draft pick in 2007 to land the offensive dynamo from Sweden. He had come to Canada to play two seasons of WHL junior hockey with the Chilliwack Chiefs, establishing himself as a scoring star. He also had strong showings at the World Juniors while playing for Sweden.

Small but fast and skilled, he was undersized but strong on his skates. As such he was stronger than he appeared. Blessed with speed, he played a brave game, not shying away from the physical game. He was hard on the forecheck and drove to the front of the net with abundant energy.

He had a good shot, often trying to surprise goalies with shots from bad angles. The shifty skater was also very versatile in that he could play either wing equally well.

Unfortunately Moller was unable to translate his game at the NHL level.

In 2008-09 he surprised many when he made the Kings opening night line up right out of training camp, ahead of more experienced players like Ted Purcell or Brian Boyle. He had a respectable 13 points in his first 26 games. The Kings loaned him to Sweden's World Junior team where he suffered a shoulder injury, costing him most of the rest of the season.

Moller never seemed to return to his previous form. He played parts of two more season, but quickly fell down the depth chart as the Kings emerged as Stanley Cup contenders. Unable to fill a top two line role, Moller disappeared to Europe in 2011