The Penguins have signed forward Filip Hallander, their 2018 second-round draft pick, to a three-year entry-level contract, it was announced Sunday.
The contract will kick in when Hallander, 18, moves to North America. He'll continue to develop in Sweden for the 2018-19 season, remaining with Timra IK of the Swedish Hockey League, the top men's league in Sweden.
Last season, Hallander recorded nine goals (including the one below), 11 assists and 20 points with Timra IK.
During this summer's development camp, Chris Bradford asked Hallander what it was like playing in a professional men's league last season.
“No, it was fun,” said Hallander, a 6-foot-2, 187-pound center. “It was a bit scary at the beginning, but you get used to it.”
After Hallander was drafted, Penguins director of amateur scouting Patrik Allvin compared Hallander to another Swedish Penguin
“He had a little bit of a knee problem the second half but I think he might have slid (down in the draft) a little bit, ... he’s just a solid two-way player," Allvin said. "He has those character traits like Patric Hornqvist — he goes to the hard areas and he produces. Obviously, it was a great year for him being on a pro team, going up to the top league in Sweden. He’s going to be on the Swedish World Junior (showcase), going to Kamloops in August. He fits what we’re looking for in a player.”
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