The Devils obviously liked what they saw while scouting Djurgarden in the Swedish Elite League last season.

After taking center Jacob Josefson 20th overall in the first round of the NHL entry draft in Montreal Friday night, they tabbed defenseman Alexander Urbom 73rd overall in the third round on Saturday. Josefson and Urbom were Djurgarden teammates.

Urbon, born in Stockholm, Sweden, is a sizeable defenseman listed as 6-3, 196 pounds. He is rated as a good hitter willing to play a physical style.

In 2007-08 with Djurgarden's junior team, he scored 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 39 games with 54 penalty minutes. The following season he had 11 points (five goals, six assists) with 45 penalty minutes in 16 games before going to the Djurgarden elite league squad. In 28 games in the Swedish Elite League he did not score and had two PIM.

Urbom, born Dec. 20, 1990, shoots left.

The 73rd pick was acquired at last year's draft from the Minnesota Wild. The Devils had two third-round picks but dealt their own selection to the Calgary Flames in order to move up three spots to claim Josefson Friday night.

We'll see.

I don't know about this guy.

so.....josefson, tedenby, bergfors, oduya and urbom hypothetically all teammates at the same time. cant say im disappointed with that scenario. i dunno a damn thing about this kid besides him being on the same team as josefson.

All I know about him is that he is going to be playing in the CHL next year.

All I know about him is that he is going to be playing in the CHL next year.

Is he really? That's very, very good.

wow thatll be great to get a better read on where he stands talent wise. very good news if its in fact true:).

Is he really? That's very, very good.

Yep, and I think that is a big reason why Lou drafted him.

would ahve much rather taken Simon Bertilsson since he has a bit more offensive flair but we'll see how Urbom does next year in the CHL. Personally I would have liked to see him stay in the SEL. Much tougher league. If he could hold his own over there I would feel more comfortable about him.

would ahve much rather taken Simon Bertilsson since he has a bit more offensive flair but we'll see how Urbom does next year in the CHL. Personally I would have liked to see him stay in the SEL. Much tougher league. If he could hold his own over there I would feel more comfortable about him.

Nah, it'll be much easier to see what we have in him immediately, not to mention he won't have any contractual obligations when it comes time to bring him into the fold.

Wait, is Urbom really going to play in major junior? I know he was drafted in the import draft; but is there confirmation somewhere that it's happening?

Nah, it'll be much easier to see what we have in him immediately, not to mention he won't have any contractual obligations when it comes time to bring him into the fold.

Who cares about knowing what we have immediately. There's no rush on defensive dmen with the amount we have in our system. I'd rather he played and developed playing amongst tougher players. And its goign to be several years before he even sniffs the Devils so the contract thing isn't a big deal either. It is what it is.

Who cares about knowing what we have immediately. There's no rush on defensive dmen with the amount we have in our system. I'd rather he played and developed playing amongst tougher players. And its goign to be several years before he even sniffs the Devils so the contract thing isn't a big deal either. It is what it is.

What's interesting is that he played a good amount of games (28) in the SEL. Now he's going to come play against junior-aged players? That's weird to me.

Whatever, I'm sure he'll be able to play an expanded role in the CHL.

Also, that is just what I heard. He got kicked off the Swedish team or banned if I am not mistaken, so I think it may just be speculation that he is going to the CHL.

What's interesting is that he played a good amount of games (28) in the SEL. Now he's going to come play against junior-aged players? That's weird to me.

Whatever, I'm sure he'll be able to play an expanded role in the CHL.

Maybe he wants to gain more confidence and lead a more offensive role? I can only hope so.

Also, that is just what I heard. He got kicked off the Swedish team or banned if I am not mistaken, so I think it may just be speculation that he is going to the CHL.

He got kicked off becasue he told them he was leaving to play in the CHL. Atleast that's my understanding.

Maybe he wants to gain more confidence and lead a more offensive role? I can only hope so.

doubt it. He didn't put up numbers in the Swedish juniors either. Offense really doesn't seem of be a big part of his game. Eliteprospects.com say he has average offensive and tactical skills.

doubt it. He didn't put up numbers in the Swedish juniors either. Offense really doesn't seem of be a big part of his game. Eliteprospects.com say he has average offensive and tactical skills.

This pick is becoming meh. Seems like a Swedish Ryan Molle.

This pick is becoming meh. Seems like a Swedish Ryan Molle.

I'm going to keep saying it but we should have drafted Simon Bertilsson. Instead the flyers got him.

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11173&lang=en

Not pumped about this draft. After the 2nd round she looks poor.

Not pumped about this draft. After the 2nd round she looks poor.

You don't like the Helgeson pick?

gonna drop some ur-BOMBs

lame

lame

:laugh: i agree...

I just noticed Ryan Button was available when we were choosing. Offensive defenseman out of Edmonton who got drafted by the Broons. Darn.

:laugh: i agree...

I just noticed Ryan Button was available when we were choosing. Offensive defenseman out of Edmonton who got drafted by the Broons. Darn.

Yeccch. Button=Bustton.

Ah-booooooo.

First of all Urbom internationally is listed 193/93 which is 6'4 206.

Then, some swedes are underrated this year thanks to large amount of top prospects. Speaking of his offensive qualities, he scored 11 pts in 16 games in J20 this year. And don't look at 0 pts in SEL, the fact he made it is impressive enough already.

You grabbed a SEL-calibre player in his 1st year of eligibility, who also happens to be a 6'4 206 lbs at 73 pick. Maybe there were better options but by no way it's a bad pick.

First of all Urbom internationally is listed 193/93 which is 6'4 206.

Then, some swedes are underrated this year thanks to large amount of top prospects. Speaking of his offensive qualities, he scored 11 pts in 16 games in J20 this year. And don't look at 0 pts in SEL, the fact he made it is impressive enough already.

You grabbed a SEL-calibre player in his 1st year of eligibility, who also happens to be a 6'4 206 lbs at 73 pick. Maybe there were better options but by no way it's a bad pick.

Good point. I guess you have to understand that management has spoiled us with great picks of late. The fact that no one knew anything about him might have caused some disappointment.

First of all Urbom internationally is listed 193/93 which is 6'4 206.

Then, some swedes are underrated this year thanks to large amount of top prospects. Speaking of his offensive qualities, he scored 11 pts in 16 games in J20 this year. And don't look at 0 pts in SEL, the fact he made it is impressive enough already.

You grabbed a SEL-calibre player in his 1st year of eligibility, who also happens to be a 6'4 206 lbs at 73 pick. Maybe there were better options but by no way it's a bad pick.

disappointment stems from who else was available. More offensive minded and good sized players were still available. Deslauriers, Button, Bertilsson, Savard, and Ekholm are IMO all better options or at the least on the same level. I'm not upset with the pick just not excited about it either.

disappointment stems from who else was available. More offensive minded and good sized players were still available. Deslauriers, Button, Bertilsson, Savard, and Ekholm are IMO all better options or at the least on the same level. I'm not upset with the pick just not excited about it either.

Bertilsson is probably a better player, but Ekholm isn't. In fact, Urbom has [probably more offensive potential than him. At least he scored more during junior career. Urboms problem is that everybody were concetrated on 1st rounders from Sweden this year, so pretty much all swedes outside of 1st round and maybe Klingberg/Lehner/Bertilsson recieve this "wtf who is this guy?" stuff.

Once again 6'4 206, 11 pts in 16 games at J20 level and serious senior experience. I would have liked him in 3rd round.

Bertilsson is probably a better player, but Ekholm isn't. In fact, Urbom has [probably more offensive potential than him. At least he scored more during junior career. Urboms problem is that everybody were concetrated on 1st rounders from Sweden this year, so pretty much all swedes outside of 1st round and maybe Klingberg/Lehner/Bertilsson recieve this "wtf who is this guy?" stuff.

Once again 6'4 206, 11 pts in 16 games at J20 level and serious senior experience. I would have liked him in 3rd round.

I'm not suffering from that. I'm suffering from the "I'd rather have taken this guy" syndrome. Especially with who we took in the 4th round it becomes overly redundant.

I'm not suffering from that. I'm suffering from the "I'd rather have taken this guy" syndrome. Especially with who we took in the 4th round it becomes overly redundant.

That happens every year though. Last year, Burlon was the only guy on my list that we picked. Still, we turned out fine because the scouts know more than myself and other fans.

For example, I was big on Justin Jokinen last year. I was pissed that we picked Henrique over him. Well, JJ scored a whopping 5 points at Minnesota State last season while Henrique was the unofficial MVP at the Memorial Cup.

That happens every year though. Last year, Burlon was the only guy on my list that we picked. Still, we turned out fine because the scouts know more than myself and other fans.

For example, I was big on Justin Jokinen last year. I was pissed that we picked Henrique over him. Well, JJ scored a whopping 5 points at Minnesota State last season while Henrique was the unofficial MVP at the Memorial Cup.

I'm not implying that I'm smarter then our scouts and I said before I don't hate the pick just that I'm not excited about it.

I'm not implying that I'm smarter then our scouts and I said before I don't hate the pick just that I'm not excited about it.

Yea, but like I said, I wasn't excited about Henrique or Nagy (who was unranked) last year, and everything turned out fine. So just chillax.

Yea, but like I said, I wasn't excited about Henrique or Nagy (who was unranked) last year, and everything turned out fine. So just chillax.

I'm not getting worked up.

Hopefully he can develop his defensive game even further. A stud defender (after all, they are there to stop pucks going in nets) would be awesome to have.

Just like I would want Robyn Regehr over most stud 2-way defenders in the NHL.

Also, that is just what I heard. He got kicked off the Swedish team or banned if I am not mistaken, so I think it may just be speculation that he is going to the CHL.Yeah, it was just speculation, nothing has been confirmed. But since he hasn't signed with another team, it looks like he'll be heading over.

Edit:

From the guy (http://hockeysverige.se/blogg_show_draftkommentarer---dag-2.html?id=8018853) behind eliteprospects.com:

"One of the best eligible Swedish defensive defensemen. Tough and reliable. When I talked to Urbom's agent a couple of weeks ago, he said that Allsvenskan (SWE-2) was the top option. Since then, nothing has transpired. I wonder if the Devils wouldn't prefer to see him play in North America next season?"

Here's a little writeup on Urbom and other drafted Swedes: http://www.hockeymagasinet.com/hockeynyheter/infor-nhl-draften-hms-topp50-15-11&prev=

Some more on Urbom http://blog.st.nu/tikare/tag/alexander-urbom/ .

Google translate gives a rough idea.

The way I see it is, Lou and Conte have resources that we could only DREAM to have. They MUST know what they're doing, so I'll be patient and hope the best for this guy. If he is indeed going to the CHL this coming year, then great. That's a hell of a start.

Yeah, it was just speculation, nothing has been confirmed. But since he hasn't signed with another team, it looks like he'll be heading over.

Edit:

From the guy (http://hockeysverige.se/blogg_show_draftkommentarer---dag-2.html?id=8018853) behind eliteprospects.com:

"One of the best eligible Swedish defensive defensemen. Tough and reliable. When I talked to Urbom's agent a couple of weeks ago, he said that Allsvenskan (SWE-2) was the top option. Since then, nothing has transpired. I wonder if the Devils wouldn't prefer to see him play in North America next season?"

maybe he pulls a Bergfors and ends up in the AHL.:facepalm:

So no SEL team wants him. This seems strange is you ask me.

Here's a little writeup on Urbom and other drafted Swedes: http://www.hockeymagasinet.com/hockeynyheter/infor-nhl-draften-hms-topp50-15-11&prev=

Some more on Urbom http://blog.st.nu/tikare/tag/alexander-urbom/ .

Google translate gives a rough idea.

For lazy people:

Comment: Born in late 1990 that he is almost 91a. I was the one that revealed (although XP Jonas Fahlman pretended to be the first) that Urbom was utfryst of Djurgården, because he did not want to write new contracts for next season. It was very unfortunate for Urboms draft value, because he received so little exposure in the spring. However, I remain very high on Urbom and has been so all the time. Stockholm He has really nice and smooth skating for its extremely large size (192, 90), really good game inside, and is generally, an djäkla 'fiery hard'. A really wonderful leader who radiates authority and Pondus on the ice. Urbom might be even more physical in their own zone, but it is really up to their peers - and throw more than happy gloves - if it was to. In Elitserien he focused on playing solid and form a defensive 5-6e back, which is the same role as I believe he will be able to play in North America, though hopefully a little meaner. Ie a defensive WHOPPER perhaps matched hard resistance against the country's stars and gets a lot of playing time in BP, etc.. However, it should not underestimate his offensive potential, so it might be something there too (?), Because he is quite adept at blålinjen of PP. He has otherwise the right smart passningsspel, good first pass from own zone, flexible, good timing, and have really good traction with the puck in their possession. Will Urbom when Drafts? Yes, I think I can safely say. However, it is very difficult to say how early or late. Hardly the first three rounds, but then it can probably be at any time.

Not every defenseman we draft has to be an offensive defenseman. This guy could be a great defender.. who knows? You saw what Scuderi did for the Penguins in the finals saving those goals with his skate? You need tough big defensive defensemen to win, too. Maybe this guy could replace Colin White down the road.

Not every defenseman we draft has to be an offensive defenseman. This guy could be a great defender.. who knows? You saw what Scuderi did for the Penguins in the finals saving those goals with his skate? You need tough big defensive defensemen to win, too. Maybe this guy could replace Colin White down the road.

is Rob Scuderi the new flavour of the month among defensive dmen.

is Rob Scuderi the new flavour of the month among defensive dmen.
yerp yerp. i'm not completely sold on him.

is Rob Scuderi the new flavour of the month among defensive dmen.

Like Orpik last year. Have a good playoffs in your walk year, you're going to get paid handsomely. Let's see if the Penguins are willing to overpay two of their defenders.

Like Orpik last year. Have a good playoffs in your walk year, you're going to get paid handsomely. Let's see if the Penguins are willing to overpay two of their defenders.

god i hope they waste their money.

Nice, I am officially friends with Urbom on facebook! :thumbu:

Creep status just went up a couple points...next mission, get Josefson!

Urbom drafted 23rd overall by Brandon in the CHL Import Draft.

http://chl.ca/importDraft.php

Urbom drafted 23rd overall by Brandon in the CHL Import Draft.

http://chl.ca/importDraft.php

Sweet, aren't they hosting the memorial cup soon?

Urbom drafted 23rd overall by Brandon in the CHL Import Draft.

http://chl.ca/importDraft.php

He could boost up those offensive numbers with Schenn and Glennie while having an automatic berth in the Memorial Cup if he ends up there.

At this point, if the guy makes the NHL in any capacity I'll be happy enough with the pick.

Urbom drafted 23rd overall by Brandon in the CHL Import Draft.

http://chl.ca/importDraft.php

Good for him. I assume, given his lack of contract, that he wasn't exactly in the mix for Djurgarden next year. Nonetheless, with him being probably a few years away from the NHL I'll take ice time over level of competition at this stage in his development.

Hopefully he can land himself on Sweden's WJC squad. Would he be the next head on the totem pole after Hedman, Karlsson, Rundblad, Erixon, and OEL?

Nice, I am officially friends with Urbom on facebook! :thumbu:

Creep status just went up a couple points...next mission, get Josefson!

Did you hear about DU putting the Vundertwins picture on his facebook and tagging Tedenbooo?

Teddy tagged Yayo in it too. :laugh:

Brandon ? I read Chilliwack...

23 1:10pm Chilliwack Bruins WHL Brandon Wheat Kings Alexander Urbom
Dec. 20, 1990 Djurgarden Djurgarden, Sweden Defenceman 6.03 196 NJ 3rd 2009

Brandon ? I read Chilliwack...

23 1:10pm Chilliwack Bruins WHL Brandon Wheat Kings Alexander Urbom
Dec. 20, 1990 Djurgarden Djurgarden, Sweden Defenceman 6.03 196 NJ 3rd 2009

The pick was traded from Chiliwack to Brandon.

Did you hear about DU putting the Vundertwins picture on his facebook and tagging Tedenbooo?

Teddy tagged Yayo in it too. :laugh:

thats awesome

ok thanks ! even better :)
I read too quickly.

Red Deer selected Rajala.

NJ can keep a better eye on him in Brandon.

Red Deer selected Rajala.

No. Rajala was also selected by Brandon. Red Deer just had the pick originally.

No. Rajala was also selected by Brandon. Red Deer just had the pick originally.

Oh, my bad.

Did you hear about DU putting the Vundertwins picture on his facebook and tagging Tedenbooo?

Teddy tagged Yayo in it too. :laugh:

LOL no. I have to go see this.

NJ can keep a better eye on him in Brandon.

As can I!:D It's not often I get to track a legit Devils prospect in the WHL, looking forward to watching him play with the Wheat Kings. Brandon is hosting the Memorial Cup next year too, so it's a great place for him to be going.