Islanders Take Alexander Ljungkrantz 90th Overall in NHL Draft

The New York Islanders selected Swedish forward Alexander Ljungkrantz with the 90th overall pick on Wednesday.

The selection came after a long wait for the Islanders to make their first pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. They did not a selection in the first two rounds of this year’s draft.

The 6’1,” 185 lbs winger played for Brynas IF in Sweden. In 42 games in the J20 SuperElit league, Ljungkrantz had 15 goals and 27 points and had been ranked 66th by NHL Central Scouting for European skaters.

The 18-year-old was described by Smaht Scouting’s Alexander Appleyard as a player that “fulfills many of the stereotypes for a modern-day bottom-six winger.”

Appleyard continued:

“The gritty Swede likes getting to the danger areas. He also battles well along the boards and has a knack for finding seams and getting into space in and around the crease. Additionally, he is a good skater who moves up ice well. His skating is not “elite” but he uses his edges effectively when protecting the puck, when fighting for position, and to get space for himself.”

In addition, EliteProspects.com also so said that Alexander Ljungkrantz showed good awareness off of the puck and can generate good speed up the ice.

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Alexander Ljungkrantz has been a mainstay on the international stage for Sweden as well. He has played for Sweden’s U16, U17 and U18 teams on the international stage.

The picked ended an hours-long wait for the Islanders, who remained quiet on the trade front as day 2 of the NHL draft played out on Wednesday. There was some thought that the Islanders might try to make a trade at some point during the draft with the team under a tight cap crunch.

The Islanders have $8.9 million in free cap space heading into free agency with a number of restricted free agents that they need to still sign.