A few days ago, I was interviewed by Columbus Blue Jackets digital content and community director Rob Mixer for a series of off-season blogs on the team’s improved goaltending situation. This was a great opportunity for me to drop some insight on everyone from Steve Mason to Anton Forsberg, and the series continued with some insights on Forsberg’s development.

FORSBERG DEVELOPING THE RIGHT WAY

Below is the introduction for the second installment in a series of goalie-related blogs. This one focuses on the solid development of Forsberg, and how it bodes well for his future in North America, which is anywhere from 1-3 years away. A special thanks to Mixer and the BlueJackets.com for reaching out to The Goalie Guild for insights on their goaltenders!

There were some notable names taking part in this year’s Blue Jackets development camp, led by 2012 first-round pick Ryan Murray as well as familiar faces like Ryan Johansen and Cam Atkinson. But it was a lesser-known entity that opened some eyes and got the attention of those in attendance at the OhioHealth Ice Haus.

Meet Anton Forsberg. Before you ask, no, he’s not related to Peter. He’s a 19-year-old goaltender that has been in the Blue Jackets’ system since 2011, when he was selected in the seventh round (188th overall) near the end of a long draft day at Xcel Energy Center. Not much was known about him at the time, and to this day, he’s a bit of an unknown because he has spent his entire career in Sweden.

This year was his first development camp, and Forsberg’s cool-customer style was one of the most popular topics of discussion among players, fans, and the coaching staff. Forsberg is your prototypical European goaltender: tall, lanky, and extremely athletic; he’s also got the blend of size and athleticism that has made Swedish goaltenders a hot commodity in the National Hockey League.

And based on the way Forsberg has responded to playing at the higher levels of Swedish pro hockey in the last year, it’s safe to say he’s on the right trajectory to eventually play in the NHL. [Click above to read the full article]