New York Islanders Top 10 Prospects In the System in 2018

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TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 4: Linus Soderstrom #30 of Team Sweden watches for a rebound against Team Russia during a semi-final game in the 2015 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship at the Air Canada Centre on January 4, 2015 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Team Russia defeated Team Sweden 4-2 to advance to the gold medal game against Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Linus Soderstrom

At least he’s here. Of the two hyped goalkeepers in the New York Islanders system, Linus Soderstrom has decided to make the trek across the Atlantic and play in North America.

Unlike Ilya Sorokin. A player we may never see in the Blue and Orange, or even in the NHL for that fact.

But Soderstrom is here. And that’s not some consolation prize. Soderstrom is a great shot-stopping prospect.

Two seasons ago Soderstrom led HV71 of the SHL to the Le Mat Trophy. In the regular season, he held a .943SV% and a 1.34 GAA in 22 games played. That 1.34 GAA beat a single season SHL record held by none other than Henrik Lundqvist.

Unfortunately, the 2017-18 season was cut short due to a shoulder injury. His season ended after 14 games with a 2.79 GAA and .894 SV%.

Soderstrom enters the 2018-19 season with the hope that he can convince the power that be within the New York Islanders organization that he’s the guy for the starting goalie role in 2019-20.

For now, he’s going to have to ply his trade in the AHL. At least for this year. It might not be so bad for Soderstrom. he’ll be able to transition to life in North American rather than be forced into a situation. With a single year deal to Robin Lehner, the Islanders are going with the former Sabres starter for 2018-19.