LINDSTROM SET FOR FIRST WJC EXPERIENCE

On a Swedish outfit loaded with offensive dazzle, Flames' prospect Linus Lindstrom represents the grit.
Not overly big at 6-foot and 170-lbs., Calgary's fourth-round selection at the 2016 NHL Draft (96th overall) and a bubble guy to crack a high-octane Swedish roster at all, figures to draw the prime checking assignments.
Still smarting from a fourth-place finish at the 2017 WJC, the Tre Kronor are intent on hunting down gold in Buffalo and head into their Boxing Day opener against Belarus ranked among the pre-tournament favorites.

All three of their goaltenders have been drafted by NHL teams. On defence, start with Rasmus Dahlin, considered to be among the top-rated prospects eligible for draft in June and go from there.
Up front, Buffalo has assigned 2016's first-round selection Alexander Nylander to his third world juniors in what will be his NHL home.
Nylander led the Swedes in scoring the past two tournaments.
Playing for hometown Skelleftea AIK this season, Lindstrom has two goals and three points in 26 Swedish league games. At the 2017 World Junior Summer Showcase in Plymouth, Mi., he scored a goal two helpers to the Swedish cause.

But, as mentioned, his contribution comes in other, less flashy areas.
"I stay in pretty much constant touch with (European scout) Bobby Hagelin, and he sees Linus quite a bit, '' says Flames' director of amateur scouting Tod Button. "What we're looking for from him at this tournament is just to play a solid two-way game.
"He's not going to be counted on for too much offence. So he's got to be solid away from the puck. You'd like to see him chip in offensively from time to time but his forte is penalty killing, defensive play, face-offs.
"Those are his fortes."