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Adam Engström knows he has a long way to go despite his defensive progress

As we all know, the Montreal Canadiens have a number of quality prospects in several positions.

Defensively, we’re talking mainly about Lane Hutson, David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux.

These three top prospects, combined with Kaiden Guhle, form a very respectable future top-4 defence, especially if Lane Hutson continues to dominate as he does.

On the other hand, there are other young defensemen in the organization who don’t get as much attention as Hutson, Reinbacher and company.

One example is William Trudeau, who had a very good camp and is playing very reasonable field hockey in Laval.

Russian Bogdan Konyushkov has been very impressive in the KHL, with 11 points in 25 games.

He was also selected for the KHL All-Star Game.

However, there’s another blue-line prospect who intrigues many fans and experts alike, and that’s Sweden’s Adam Engström.

He plays for Rögle BK, a well-known club in the SHL, Sweden’s top division.

Unfortunately for the club, it didn’t get off to the expected start.

The league comprises 14 teams in total, and Engström’s club finds itself in 12th place.

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EyesOnThePrize spoke to Rögle defensive coach Max Bohlin.

In the interview, Bohlin talks about the CH hopeful, who has adapted his style of play following a poor start to the season.

Engström is an attacking defender, but playing in the SHL, one of the best leagues in the world, it’s hard to record many points at such a young age (19).

Last year, he collected 16 points in 43 games and this year, the Swede has 6 points in 16 games.

What’s interesting in Engström’s case, however, is that he’s decided to change his style of play a little, as his club’s defensive brigade is heavily focused on offense.

The Järna native has concentrated on improving his defensive game, to make up for the shortfall in this area.

“I’ve become stronger defensively, and since the season isn’t going the way we’d like it to, I’ve had to play defensively more often. Defense is the first step, then offense comes second.

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It’s good that he’s got that mentality.It’s rare to see this kind of behavior from a 19-year-old.

He decided on his own that he would improve his defensive game to help his club become more successful.

On the other hand, he knows that despite his defensive progress, he needs to improve certain aspects of his game.

“I want to improve my defensive game, be a little more physical and win more one-on-one battles.” – Adam Engström

Engström seems to be enjoying becoming a more responsible and well-rounded player.

He definitely wants his club to win more.

The youngster really wants to become a good two-way defender, if what La Poche Bleue reported earlier this week is anything to go by.

“I take pride in playing well defensively. That’s the most important part of the game: keeping the puck out of the net. I’m confident with the puck and I like to create things offensively. I really see myself as a good two-way defenseman.” – Adam Engström

Bohlin is also very impressed with his ability when he has the puck.

In fact, he said his defenseman is one of the best puck carriers in the entire SHL, which is seen as the best European league along with the Swiss league.

It should be pointed out that we don’t include the KHL, which is based mainly in Russia, but that the country includes a part in Europe, but also in Asia.

His defensive coach also believes that he has greatly improved defensively, especially in 1-on-1 situations.

Definitely, his attitude and the adaptation of his style following this poor start to the season prove that the youngster wants to try and be as useful as possible to his team.

It’s probably a little early to say, but could Engström carve out a position with the CH, or elsewhere in the NHL, eventually?

Personally, I think so, but decisions will have to be made between now and then, as the left side of the defense is pretty well stocked.

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