Oskar Sundqvist is a 20 year old center from Boden, Sweden. He's a bigger guy, 6 foot 3 inches, and weighing in at about 190. The young Swede was drafted in the 3rd round (81st overall) of the 2012 draft held at Consol Energy Center.
Sundqvist has played in Sweden the last few seasons, including playing for Skelleftea AIK of the Swedish Elite League the last two seasons. This past year, as a 20 year old, he scored six goals, had 10 assists (16 total points) while showing a plus-6 rating in 51 SEL games. Sundqvist also knows how to play in big games. In the playoffs this year, he scored four goals and added two assists (6 total points) and was a plus-5. He also scored 2 goals in World Junior play this year.
The Pens had until tomorrow night to sign the 2012 pick, something interim-GM Botterill accomplished this afternoon. He will have a Three-year entry level contract for the next few years.
The question is where will Sundqvist fit into the Penguins plans? The Pens obviously need help at the forward position. It would be better if the young Swede was a winger, but the Pens have developed some good centers in the last decade; Megna, Gibbons, Staal, Vitale come to mind. His big body and ability to play a solid two-way game will draw comparisons to former Pens center Jordan Staal.
The good news for the Pens is the he has been playing professional hockey for the last two seasons and has also represented Sweden at World Juniors. He has performed well at every level thus far. The next step for him will be to play professionally over here. I think you will see Sundqvist again at Pens rookie camp in the summer and probably get an invite to training camp as well. I expect him to play in Wilkes-Barre this season to get some acclamation to the North American style of play. Ultimately, the hope will be to have the young Swede make an impact on the big club and soon. But for now, we will wait to see what the future holds and welcome Oskar to the Burgh!