Malcom Gästrin gives Mike Babcock and the Edmonton Oilers a promising young centre whose rapid rise in Sweden made him a strong acquisition.
Edmonton selected Gästrin 84th overall after watching him handle three different levels of Swedish hockey before his 18th birthday.
This player isn't any ordinary player; his skills appear to have him destined for star-level power.
He opened his draft season with Modo's under-18 team, producing 12 goals and 30 points in 19 games before earning a promotion.
Gästrin didn't slow down against older competition. He added 9 goals and 25 points across 24 games at the under-20 level.
The next test came against professionals, where he appeared in four games in Sweden's top men's league. The offensive numbers weren't there, but his awareness and responsibility stood out.
“It was a really fun season,” Gästrin told OilersTV's Tony Brar. “The men are stronger, and you don't get the same time out there as you do in under-18 and under-20.”
Oilers saw more than offensive production in Malcom Gästrin
Edmonton's scouting staff wasn't only chasing points. Director of amateur scouting Rick Pracey focused on how Gästrin tracked back, protected the puck and reacted after turnovers.
“Offensive players that track and are diligent in terms of turnovers and takeaways, that's another marker in our profile,” Pracey said. “That's what we noticed at the pro level.”
That complete-game approach helped Edmonton feel comfortable using the 84th selection on a 174-pound forward who still has room to add strength.
“Sense, skill, compete were the boxes we're looking for at that selection,” Pracey said. “We think there's potential top-nine upside, but he needs to fill out.”
Gästrin's own description matches Edmonton's evaluation. “I'm trying to compete every shift. I love to score goals and being in the offensive zone. That's what I'm trying to do,” he said.
He also studies Tim Stützle's movement and offensive creativity. “I love to watch Tim Stützle and try to do the same thing as him,” Gästrin said. “I'm watching a lot of video.”
For the Oilers, this is the type of acquisition that can strengthen a prospect pool without requiring an early pick. Gästrin has already shown he can earn promotions, adjust quickly and remain effective as the competition gets heavier.
Did the Oilers find a future top-nine centre in Malcom Gästrin?
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