The Vancouver Canucks used their first pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, which was in the third round, to select a forward from Sweden.
At the draft table, the Canucks announced that they've selected Swedish forward Melvin Fernstrom, who spent the 2023-24 season with Orebro HK's under-20 team, but also got some games in the SHL.
Fernstrom, 18, appeared in 45 games for Orebro HK J20 in the J20 Nationell where he put up 63 points (31 goals, 32 assists), 28 penalty minutes and was a plus-25. He added ten points in eight playoff games.
The Balsta, Sweden native also skated him six games in the Swedish Hockey League with Orebro HK, but didn't record any points and should get a bigger role with the team in the fall, if he's not loaned out to a team in the second division in order to get more ice time.
On the international stage, Fernstrom played for Sweden at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, putting up eight points (three goals, five assists) in seven games, taking home the bronze medal.
