Another twist in the ongoing Mikael Wikstrand saga.
According to reports on Twitter this morning, Mikael Wikstrand has agreed to a contract with Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League. And unlike last year’s agreement to let Wikstrand play out the season in Sweden, it sounds like this arrangement could be a little more permanent.
We’ll need a translator to confirm for sure but according to the report, it sounds like Wikstrand has agreed to a four year deal. The Senators have yet to comment on this morning’s news.
Obviously things can change quickly in a situation like this one but it certainly sounds like Wikstrand has all but closed the door on a career on North America. Not entirely surprising considering the way things have gone to this point but disappointing because Wikstrand seemed like one the team’s most intriguing prospects on the blueline.
A 7th round pick in the 2012 Draft, Wikstrand certainly has all the tools to play in the NHL. He’s a smooth skater that moves the puck well and makes good decisions at both ends of the rink. Unfortunately his decision making off the ice isn’t as strong. Internally, I believe the Senators considered trading Wikstrand this past season but that’s pretty much impossible when the player has shown a reluctance to commit to playing in North America.
The Senators have been patient with Wikstrand but they can only wait so long. Based on this morning’s news, I think we can pretty much close the book on Mikael Wikstrand- NHL prospect.
