Report: Sweden names top player for 2016-17

Karlsson? Hedman? Backstrom? Who’s your pick?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Sweden names top player for 2016-17
Keystone Press

For the second consecutive season Erik Karlsson has been named Sweden’s top player. The 27 year-old native of Landsbro, Sweden capped off another Norris Trophy candidate season with a lengthy post-season run that saw his Ottawa Senators get to within one goal of the Stanley Cup Final.

In 77 games with the Senators in 2016-17, the defenseman put up a remarkable 17 goals and 71 points. He’s a generational talent and arguably the best Swedish defender since Detroit Red Wings legend Nicklas Lidstrom. As the team’s captain, the two-time Norris Trophy winner is a leader on and off the ice for his team. While he faced some strong competition from Tampa Bay Lightning defender Victor Hedman and Washington Capitals pivot Nicklas Backstrom for the title of Tre Kronor’s top talent, you’ll find few people arguing against Karlsson’s victory.