Sabres’ Isak Rosen is making some serious noise in the AHL
This story originally appeared on hockeysverige.se and has been translated from Swedish to English.
Could we see a Swedish player win the American Hockey League’s scoring title for the first time ever?
At the very least, it’s not entirely impossible, with Buffalo Sabres’ prospect and first-round pick Isak Rosén sitting second in the scoring race.
In 51 games with the Rochester Americans, he has recorded 26 goals and 50 points. San Jose Barracuda’s Andrew Poturalski leads the race; he has 22 goals and 53 points in 48 games.
“I think I’ve played well and been consistent pretty much the whole time,” Rosén said.
“After Christmas, the production really picked up with a bunch of goals over a period of time. Since then, I’ve just tried to keep it going. I have good confidence and have been working on the mindset that I want to prove I deserve another chance in the NHL.”
The fact that Rosén currently sits second in the scoring race hasn’t really garnered much attention.
“I don’t know… A little bit, of course, but it’s not something I think about too much. There are still 20 games left, so I just have to keep pushing.”
But his eyebrows were raised when he was informed that no Swede has ever won the JB Sollenberger Trophy, given to the league’s top scorer.
“Oh really? Then maybe I should be the first,” Rosén said with a laugh. “Of course, it’s fun, but most of all, I see it as something I contribute to the team. That I’m adding goals and assists in every game. I’m happy that I’ve been able to do that this season.”
Rosén isn’t the only Swede in Rochester – he also gets to skate alongside Anton Wahlberg and Noah Östlund.
“Both of them have been playing really well since Christmas. I know myself what it was like when I came over at 19 — it takes some time to adjust to everything, both life off the ice and the game on it. But I really think they’ve found their stride lately. Noah, in particular, has been getting great results recently, which is really fun to see.”
At 21, Rosén is the oldest of the three – and somewhat of a father figure.
“(Laughs) I try to help a little, but they manage just fine on their own.”
Rosén made his NHL debut last season, playing a total of seven games. Despite his strong performance in the AHL this year, he has only played two NHL games so far.
“Of course, I always want more. I feel like I’m ready,” Rosén said. “First, I played one game where I didn’t get much ice time. Then I was sent down for a while before getting called up for another game. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind when I’ve been up there, and I think it’s tough to get called up for just one game at a time. I haven’t really been able to show what I can do in those games. It’s up to me to be better next time.”
He admits that there’s some disappointment in not getting more of a chance.
“I’m a little disappointed. If you believe you belong there, you want to be there. But I just use that as motivation. I can only do my best every day. Eventually, the opportunity will come. I just have to keep going—there’s nothing else I can do. I’m not too disappointed; I just have to keep working every day.”
At the same time, the Sabres have explained what they want to see from him to get a more permanent NHL spot.
“They want me to assert myself more when I’m up there,” he said. “To show right away that ‘I’m here, I belong here,’ and things like that. Maybe also be a bit more physical in certain situations. Those are a few things they’d like to see.”
Rosén is happy with his improvement over the season to get himself where he is.
“If you look at all three years, my point production has increased every season. But most of all, I’ve taken big steps in winning more puck battles, which gives me more possession. Especially last season.
“I think that was something that took my offensive game to the next level. I’ve become more of a two-way player, someone who can contribute at both ends and control the puck more. This season, I’ve already scored more goals than last year, which shows that I’ve gotten bigger, stronger, more mature—all of that. But most importantly, I’ve improved my ability to win battles.”
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