With solid foundation already in place, Forslund has plenty of room to grow

DETROIT -- Charlie Forslund wasn’t in the room to see his name pop up on the television screen when the Detroit Red Wings selected the 18-year-old forward prospect with the No. 176 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, but his mother certainly did.

“It was very fun,” Forslund said during Red Wings’ 2024 Development Camp in July. “I was on the couch at home with my family, then my mom starts screaming. Everyone there was happy.”

Forslund spent part of the 2023-24 season with Falu IF in Sweden’s third division, recording 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) in 19 games. He also had 16 points (13 goals, three assists) in seven games with Falu IF’s U-20 team.

Red Wings Assistant Manager and Director of Amateur Scouting Kris Draper said he believes the ceiling is high for Forslund.

“Playing against those men at a lower level, Charlie stood out,” Draper said. “He has good size, can skate and can really shoot the puck…We did a lot of background checking and you sit there, this could be somebody that could be really good for us down the road.”

At 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, and still growing, Forslund said he’s learning how to use his size to his advantage.

“I play every game with my big body,” Forslund said. “I try to get into situations where it’s a bit tough, like in front of the net. Last year, my game was very good on the power play.”

Attending his first Red Wings Development Camp this summer helped Forslund get acquainted with the North American style of play.

“It’s quite different from Sweden,” said Forslund, a native of Falun, Sweden. “Learning things here in the U.S. is very good for me.”

This season, Forslund will play for Mora IK’s U-20 team in Sweden’s top junior league to continue his development. Fellow Detroit 2024 draft pick (No. 15 overall) and forward prospect Michael Brandsegg-Nygard had spent the past two seasons with the club.

“I look forward to it because it’s not so far from home,” Forslund said. “They take care of the junior players. I think that’s a good step for me.”