Q and A: Victor Ejdsell prepares for Calder Cup Playoffs

Victor Ejdsell got his first NHL action after coming to the United States from Sweden and being recalled by the Blackhawks. He tallied one assist in six games with Chicago and has since been assigned to the Rockford IceHogs to help them in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
He sat down with chicagoblackhawks.com to discuss his transition and what his expectations are ahead of Rockford's first-round matchup with the Chicago Wolves.

How would you describe your transition thus far from Sweden to the United States?
So far it has had its ups and downs, but I've had my moments. The game is different here and I am working on my abilities, especially in the offensive zone. In Sweden the game has much more patience and your main objective is to keep the puck within your team. Here you have to be alert and ready all the times. I have to learn how to stay on my toes at all times and be ready. It will take time to progress, but I will get there.
What qualities of your game will lead to success at the next level?
I have good size and I am strong with the puck, which make me valuable on offense. I can use my size to create positioning around the net and make plays for myself and my teammates. Beyond that I play the game with a certain level of intelligence. The vision I have and being able to find my teammates will help me contribute.
What is the biggest adjustment you have had to make since leaving Sweden?
It's the intensity of the game. The speed has been raised so much higher and everything is moving quicker. I need to get my speed to that level and also make sure my mind is in sync with that. I will continue to adjust as I keep getting experience.
What did you learn from your experience in the NHL?
First of all, it was a great time, I had so much fun and it was a dream come true. I also got to see that I have the potential to play at that level and hopefully one day I am ready for that. To get there I need to continue to develop and make the adjustments to the speed of the game. If I can combine that with the things I am already good at, I can be effective in the NHL.
What are your expectations for the upcoming playoffs?
I want to show my skills that have gotten me to this level and be a reliable player for my teammates. When I am playing at a high level I can affect the game on offense for those around me, and with my size, become a force in the zone. Making those plays will help build momentum through all the other lines and that will help us be successful.
You got playoff action this season before you arrived in the United States, how will that experience help you in this playoff run?
I know what you have to do in the playoffs and how you get ready for it. The approach to these big games affects your diet and your sleep and everything. I like to think I am prepared for what it will take. Hopefully I can share my knowledge with my teammates and we can all be on the same page.
How much did you know about the Blackhawks before being traded to the team?
When I was a free agent I came to a number of different cities to visit and get to know the organizations, so I picked up a lot of knowledge there. I came to Chicago during that time and saw they had so much to offer. They have a great team with a history of winning Stanley Cups. You see a long list of great players, and when you look at the team from my position, you view those guys as role models. When I got my time with the Blackhawks I got to see these guys up close and see how they prepare and work on their games and it was really incredible.
What are your plans for this offseason?
I am going back home to Sweden and working with my personal trainer. It will be very different than what I am used to because when I was playing at home I would get my whole summer to play with my team and here you can't do that. It makes you have to be responsible and motivated to continue to work even when you are away from the team. This offseason I am going to prepare as much as possible and make sure that I improve my all-around game.
What goals have you set for next training camp?
Obviously, my ultimate goal is to play in the NHL. There are a few things I have to work on though, and I will make those a priority. I want to remain focused on my dream of making it to my ultimate goal and do everything I can to get there.