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Oskar Magnusson: 2022 World Junior Championship Tournament Notebook

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Photo: Team Sweden

And just like that, the 2022 World Championship is in the books. Washington Capitals forward prospect Haakon Hanelt and Team Germany wrapped up their tournament on Wednesday, and on Saturday, Team Sweden and Capitals forward prospect Oskar Magnusson wrapped up their tournament in the Bronze medal game. Sweden would take home the Bronze.

SUMMARY

Magnusson, 20, is a 5’-10” left-handed center/winger from Trelleborg, Sweden. He was selected by the Capitals in the seventh round (#211 overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He remains unsigned by the Capitals.

Tournament Breakdown

Magnusson had a fairly decent tournament, starting at left wing on the fourth line for most of the games. He was elevated to the top line for the third game against the United States, but returned to the fourth line for most of the remaining games. He was elevated to the third line for the Bronze medal game against Czechia.

As for his general play, Magnusson demonstrated his blazing-fast speed, probably his best asset, on a number of occasions (see below). He also demonstrated decent play-making ability at times during the tournament, something that seems to be improving quite a bit.

Magnusson’s shooting in the tournament was ok, but there were definitely missed opportunities. It’s way too soon to sound the “Hagelin” comparisons but something I will track closely this coming season. He also needs to work on his board and puck battles, as he was pushed off the puck quite a few times.

For the tournament, Magnusson recorded a goal and an assist in seven games played.

SWEDEN VS. SWITZERLAND (Game 1)

Magnusson started the tournament at left wing on the fourth line for the opening game against Switzerland. He was on the top power play to open the Swede’s first man-advantage opportunity, but was not on the second and final power plays. Sweden would win this one, 3-2.

Magnusson hit two posts in the middle frame. On the second, he demonstrated his speed.

Overall, Magnusson had a pretty good opening game. He had no points and didn’t win player of the game for Sweden, but he was most likely in the discussion. (The game announcers also made the same observation). He used his speed on a number of occasions, both offensively and defensively, to make plays.

Grade: B+

SWEDEN VS. AUSTRIA (Game 2)

Magnusson remained at left wing on the fourth line for game 2 against Austria. He was not on the top power play unit, but did play on the second unit.

An early opportunity on the power play went wide for Magnusson. The redirect was a little more difficult, but still an opportunity Magnusson probably needs to convert.

Magnusson recorded no points or shots in 10:31 of ice time.

Grade: C

SWEDEN VS. UNITED STATES (Game 3) 

Magnusson was elevated to the top line against the United States, and saw power play time on both units, although Magnusson’s ice time stayed the same. It’s likely Sweden’s head coach was trying to create favorable matchups up and down the lineup, but I do think the top line assignment was a reflection of Magnusson’s play in the first two games.

Magnusson blocked a shot with his foot in the early going, and had to be helped from the ice. But he didn’t miss a shift.

Magnusson had an assist on two shots in just 10:34 of ice time. It’s interesting that while Magnusson’s ice time remained the same, he recorded two shots and an assist on the top line.

Grade: B+

SWEDEN VS. GERMANY (Game 4)

Magnusson returned to the fourth line against Germany. He would record his first goal of the tournament. Again, Magnusson showed his wheels, and this time a nice shot for the finish.

Magnusson had a pretty good game against Germany, and was ultimately named the player of the game for the team.

Photo: IIHF

Grade: A-

SWEDEN VS. LATVIA (Quarterfinal)

Magnusson returned to the fourth line for Sweden’s quarterfinal game against Latvia. He also spent time in Sweden’s second power play unit, something that was intermittent during the entire tournament.

Latvia, the surprise of the tournament, gave Sweden a full test in Sweden’s first elimination game, but Sweden would ultimately hold on for the 2-1 win.

As for Magnusson, he had a fairly decent game, recording no points on two shots in 15:23 of ice time. He wasn’t flashy but did create opportunities, both on the breakaway as well as finding open ice himself, or finding the open teammate.

Grade: B+

SWEDEN VS. FINLAND (Semifinal)

Magnusson remained on the 4th line for Sweden in their semifinal against Finland, and also spent time on the second power play. The game itself, was a yawn-fest, with Finland winning 1-0.

Magnusson’s game was rather quiet, but that is due in large part to Finland’s style of play.  Magnusson recorded no points and just one shot in 12:15 of ice time.

Grade: C+

SWEDEN VS. CZECHIA (Bronze Medal)

Magnusson was elevated to the third line for their last game of the tournament. Magnusson also saw time on the second power play unit. Sweden would put in a workmanlike effort to take home the Bronze.

As for Magnusson, he appeared to be a little more involved in the playmaking and creation of chances, something we saw quite a bit of in the early stages of the tournament. He recorded no points on one shot and 13:48 of ice time.

It appeared Magnusson may have tired a bit in the middle games of the tournament, but that was t the case in the final two games.

Grade: B-

NEXT STEPS

Magnusson will likely take a little time off before ramping up his 2022-23 season. It hasn’t been confirmed but he will likely participate in the Capitals rookie camp coming up in September and possibly see a day or two in the Capitals main training camp before returning to Sweden.

Magnusson will return to AIK in the HockeyAllsvenskan league this season. At 20, ideally Magnusson would be ready for a shot at the SHL level by the end of this season, and be ready for a shot in Hershey before the start of the 2024-25 season, at the latest.

By Jon Sorensen





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