Quote:
Originally Posted by HighLifeMan
Jonas Brodin
Patrick Berglund
Nicklas Backstrom
Jakob Silfverberg
Mika Zibanejad
Anze Kopitar
Patric Hornqvist
Marcus Johansson
Victor Hedmen
etc...
These players all jumped directly from the SEL and had an immediate impact on their respective franchises. The SEL does a great job at priming these young kids for NHL.
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On your list, I'd add that Patrik Berglund didn't play a single game in Elitserien (SEL) before he crossed the Atlantic. He played for Västerås (Backlund's old club) in Hockeyallsvenskan which is the league below SEL.
Just like with players from other places there are going to be those that are more than ready to come over and compete in the NHL, while there are others who will need some more time.