Carolina Hurricanes: A Look Into the Development of Jesper Sellgren

Charlotte Stint

After Sellgren’s successful season concluded over in Sweden last year, he came over to join Charlotte on their Calder Cup playoff run, and became an insanely important piece for that team. He ended up moving all the way up to the first defensive pairing, and really wow’ed avid Checkers supporters.

"“It took exactly one shift in his first game in North America to realize that [Carolina] picked a future NHL defenseman. He turned heads immediately” – Checkers commentator Jason Shaya said of Sellgren."

During his Checkers playoff stint, Sellgren contributed 3 goals and an assist in 11 games, and helped them hoist the Cup. He showed off his shooting ability in Game 3 against the Toronto Marlies, firing an absolute laser to give the Checkers a 2-1 lead:

Sellgren earned himself his NHL entry-level contract during the playoffs, as Don Waddell and Co. were undoubtedly impressed with what they saw from him.

"“Jesper is a solid, two-way defenseman who played for one of the top teams in Sweden in 2018-19, We’re looking forward to him taking the next steps in his development.” said Don Waddell in the Canes’ press release."

He took his brilliant run of form with him to the Hurricanes training camp this past summer, and managed to turn heads along the way. Rod Brind’Amour in particular took notice.

"“I like the way he thinks the game,” Brind’Amour said of Sellgren. “He’s got that smooth, silky way he moves around. That’s today’s game. It’s important.”"

Sellgren ended up playing in 2 preseason games for the team – averaging over 19 minutes a game, with 2+ minutes on each the powerplay and penalty kill units. He didn’t register any points, but he played all situations and gained some viable experience against NHL talent. He recorded 4 shots on goal and had a takeaway in those two games.

Overall, his development over the years and particularly since being drafted has been impressive, but what might his future hold?