The Winnipeg Jets` defensive lineup is expected to have a significant Swedish presence in the future.
Elias Salomonsson, a right-handed defenseman drafted in the second round in 2022, is currently the Jets` top prospect. He is now joined by another Swedish defenseman, Sascha Boumedienne, a left-handed shot selected 28th overall by Winnipeg in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday.
Last season, Boumedienne transitioned to NCAA hockey, playing for the Boston University Terriers as one of the league`s youngest participants.
“Starting out, I wasn`t the strongest,” he mentioned to The Athletic in April. “Physical battles were challenging; I struggled with being knocked off the puck and protecting it.”
Boumedienne improved significantly throughout the season and finished strongly at the U-18 World Championship in April. Playing for the silver-medal-winning Swedish team, he set a new scoring record for defensemen at the tournament with 14 points in seven games.
“He truly stood out there,” noted Sportsnet prospect analyst Sam Cosentino during the broadcast. “As the youngest defenseman in college hockey, it`s quite difficult to make an impact against larger, more experienced players. Returning to his age group at the season`s end, he built confidence. He averaged over 20 minutes of ice time per game at the U18s and, by frequently handling the puck, accumulated those 14 points.”
