Edstrom a 'sponge' in development camp with Golden Knights

LAS VEGAS -- When David Edstrom took part in the Vegas Golden Knights development camp earlier this month, the No. 32 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft compared the Nevada desert to his home country of Sweden.

"It's much warmer than Sweden," the 18-year-old center prospect said with a smile.

Obvious observations aside, Edstrom impressed at the camp with a willingness to absorb knowledge from coaches and teammates alike.

"He's a sponge," forward Brendan Brisson said. "We started talking and you know, the way one of the first things he asked me was, 'What's your best piece of advice for me just after playing one year of pro?' I pretty much told him take it a step at a time."

Golden Knights director of player development Wil Nichol also quickly became a big Edstrom fan; he noted his size and length (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) as two intangibles to go with his mindset to grow as a player.

"I really like him," Nichol said. "Not a surprise. (Vegas assistant director of player personnel) Bob Lowes and his staff, they do an excellent job with the draft. I'm not surprised that I already like 'Eddie.'. He just looks like he's a smart two-way center and has some skill.

"He's got a good compete level. He's really eager to learn and to get better. That's a really important piece in the development, so I'm excited to continue to work with him, but we've already got a really good base from this week to go forward with this coming year."

Edstrom played the past two seasons with Frolunda of Sweden's Junior League, with 39 points (22 goals, 17 assists) in 59 games. He moved up to Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League last season, with four points (two goals, two assists) in 11 games.

Though it is unlikely Edstrom will make the roster of the defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights this season, he remains positive he will one day play for the big club. Until then, Edstrom is expected to return to the SHL with a focus on improving his game. Already recognized as a strong two-way center by his coaches, he understands his biggest improvements will come from the physical aspects of the game.

"I have to work on my skating and explosiveness in the gym," he said. "I'll also get feedback on what I need to work on, what I'm good at, so I can take that home to Sweden and work on that."