GOTTA SEE IT: Canadiens Engstrom Makes Save Of The Year

Montreal Canadiens prospect Adam Engstrom may be a defenceman, but he just made the save of the World Junior tournament before it’s even begun.

In a tune-up game against Switzerland en route to the opening of the World Junior Championships on December 26, Sweden had their hands full keep their rivals at bay.

With some fun back-and-forth action, it was actually an insane defensive play that caught everyone’s attention.

Montreal Canadiens prospect Adam Engstrom, who was selected in the 3rd round of the 2022 NHL Draft, made a sprawling save, where he swapped a puck destined for the back of the net, by swatting the puck out of mid-air to save a sure goal.

Bra med extra målvakter. Adam Engström täcker upp. 🙌
🎥 SVT pic.twitter.com/vk3fTXO1cY

— Tre Kronor (@Trekronorse) December 23, 2022

Adam Engstrom wasn’t known by many at the 2022 NHL Draft, but he’s certainly gotten the attention of Montreal Canadiens fans early on this season.

Dominating at the J-20 level, Engstrom has begun taking regular shifts in the SHL with Rögle this season and even represented Sweden in an internal friendly tournament in Czechia a few weeks ago.

The experience he’s gained now, playing in his country’s top league, while many other 18 and 19-year-old defencemen are playing in Hockeyallsvenskan or in the J-20 leagues have been invaluable to Engstrom.

His two-way performances earned him a call from Sweden’s Hockey Federation to represent them at a recent U-20 friendly tournament in Czechia and most recently saw him named to Sweden’s preliminary roster for the World Junior Championships.

“I know we’re missing some players, but I think we have a very good team,” said Engstrom  in a recent interview with Montreal Hockey Now. “I want to go there and do my best and show what I can do.”

Sweden will be without 6th overall pick Simon Edvinsson, amongst others, offering Engstrom even more of an opportunity to not only crack the roster, but hold down a prominent role for the club.

Despite that, Sweden is set to have a very interesting offensive roster this season with multiple former 1st-round picks. Engstrom is hoping to contirbute to the success of the club by focusing on his defence and capitalizing on offensive opportunities.

The youngster remains excited to represent his country and was particularly excited to show Montreal Canadiens fans what he can do in Halifax this holiday season.

https://montreal.nationalhockeynow.com/2022/12/09/montreal-canadiens-adam-engstrom-ready-to-surprise-at-world-juniors/