San Jose Sharks prospect Filip Bystedt is having an up-and-down first season in North America.
Whether he’s dealt with injury or just learning to play on a smaller ice surface, the Sharks are molding him to a specific playstyle: a two-way center.
In 50 games for the San Jose Barracuda, Bystedt scored 12 goals and 19 assists. He is a regular on the power-play and penalty kill for coach John McCarthy.
“I’m more comfortable with the puck. A little bit more skill there,” Bystedt said about what he’s improved on this season. “[Getting] faster, better edges [and] trying to use my body more.”
He displayed improved hands during game one of the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs, scoring a pretty goal to make it a 2-0 game against the Ontario Reign.
The San Jose Sharks haven’t been shy about telling their prospects to watch other NHL players. Defenseman Luca Cagnoni watched a film about New York Rangers’ d-man Adam Fox.
“There are a few [players I’m looking at], not exactly one guy. I’m a big guy trying to use my body and protect the puck. Be reliable in the defensive zone first, and then go to offense,” Bystedt said. “One of them is [Joel] Eriksson Ek. I’ve looked at him for a lot of games. [Aleksander] Barkov also. I’m trying to look at him as much as possible.”
The Florida Panthers captain is arguably the NHL’s best 200-foot center. The Finnish center was nominated for the Selke Trophy in three of the past four seasons. Barkov will have another strong case to win the award again in 2025.
Barkov and Eriksson Ek are perfect players for Bystedt to model his game. All three players boast similar body types and skating styles.
“By looking at those games, and the way they play, those two are really good players,” Bystedt said. “If I can try to replicate their game and be as good as them, and maybe even better, it’s a path I want to go.”
Bystedt is excited to be playing postseason hockey again
Before he transitioned to North America, the San Jose Sharks’ 2022 first-round pick played in Sweden in the SHL. He was able to play postseason hockey in his final SHL season with Linköping HC.
In four playoff games, Bystedt scored one goal and one assist. The center said he couldn’t wait to return to a playoff atmosphere.
“Just looking back last year, when I was in the SHL and we were on home ice and playoffs, it was the best feeling ever,” Bystedt explained. “When [fans are] cheering you [on], you go from 100% to 120-130%. You feel you [have more to give].”
Bystedt and the rest of the top Sharks prospects playing for the Barracuda will experience a home playoff game for the first time since 2019. It will also be the first time since moving to Tech CU Arena that the Barracuda will host a playoff game.
Despite being the lower seed, Bystedt and the San Jose Barracuda will play games one and two at home before going to Colorado for games 3-5.
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