According to a Swedish source, it appears as if Maple Leaf forward prospect Sondre Olden will cross the pond and play in the CHL this fall. The tall, lanky Norwegian born winger was drafted by the Maple Leafs in the 3rd round, 79th overall of last year’s entry draft. The 18 year old spent this past season primarily with the Modo J20 team, but did see a few games with the senior squad in the Swedish Elite League. Olden also represented Norway at the World Junior tournament in Buffalo. Considering his skillset and experience, Olden will likely be a high selection in the CHL’s Import Draft.
Here’s a brief translation of the relevant tidbits:
“Ondra Olden leave Modo Hockey.
– Yes that’s right, I turned down the contract as Modo offered me says Sondre to modo lookupNew league becomes the CHL. Why?
– The Toronto wanted it, and I wanted it. Feels right and try out there for one year anyway.Difficult decision?
– Yes that was it really. Modo offered me an A-team contract then.What was decisive? – To Toronto wanted it very much. And I’ve talked to some who were there and they say that it is good and you learn a lot.
Which team it is not clear, CHL drafter takes rumt in late June.
– Now it gets to train with J20 to Monday, then I go home to Norway to train with, inter alia, Mats Zuccarello and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen.”
Here’s what I said about Olden in the 2010 Draft Review:
“This is a player who was scouted heavily by Detroit super scout Hakkan Andersson this past year, and so Toronto acquired a 3rd round pick to leap frog the Red Wings who were picking at 81. Olden is a lanky 6—4 forward who skates well, possesses some playmaking ability, and works hard at both ends of the ice. He—s currently playing for the Modo J20 team in Sweden, but is of Norwegian nationality and has represented them in international competition. He—s dominated the weaker division, scoring an insane 22 points in 5 games played at the Division 1 World U-18²s, doubling the totals of the next highest player. This prompted him to earn a spot on the team U-20 team and playing against players 2-3 years older than he was, Olden did not look out of place recording 4 points in 5 games. As one of the youngest players in the draft class, Sondre is likely years away from making an NHL impact, but the potential and physical projection is there for him to become a big-time prospect someday.”
In his recent review of European prospects, Mislav also had some positive things to add about Olden.
