New Detroit Red Wings defenseman Andreas Englund, a native of Sweden, knows all about Detroit's rich heritage when it comes to Swedish hockey royalty.
While the Detroit Red Wings continue working on a new contract for RFA defenseman Simon Edvinsson, they brought another Swedish blue liner into the fold.
Detroit claimed defenseman Andreas Englund off waivers from the Calgary Flames, adding a key depth piece to its blue line who is already familiar with head coach Todd McLellan from their time together with the Los Angeles Kings.
Englund practiced with the Red Wings for the first time Monday, wearing No. 24, a fitting number for him considering he has a penchant for dropping the gloves similar to that of the late former Detroit enforcer Bob Probert.
Naturally, with so many iconic Swedish players having suited up for the Red Wings over the years, Englund is already familiar with several of them, including former captain Nicklas Lidstrom and assistant captain Niklas Kronwall; Englund has particularly modeled his own style of play after Kronwall.
"For sure, Lidstrom is one of the greatest defensemen of all time," Englund said. "He's a legend in Sweden; so is Kronwall. His game was a little more like mine; I liked watching him stepping up on people. Definitely, Kronwall was a big guy (for me) growing up."
As far as his own style of play, Englund prides himself on being a physical force on the ice.
"I'm a defensive type of guy, I like to box out and keep the net clear, bring a presence on the ice, and bring a little physicality," he said.
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Repeatedly, Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan has emphasized the need for the Red Wings to be harder to play against.
As of right now, Englund has been designated immigration non-roster player while sorting out his visa situation.
However, the chances of him appearing with the club are higher right now thanks to the uncertainty surrounding defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who remains a restricted free agent and ineligible to play without a new contract.
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