Linus Ullmark
Position: Goalie
Age: 22
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 198 lbs.
2014-15 team: MODO (SHL)
Acquired: Drafted in the 6th round (163rd overall) in the 2012 draft
Last year’s ranking: 19
Linus Ullmark had a spectacular first SHL season in 2013-14, earning the league’s goaltender of the year award. He took a step back this season statistically, posting a 3.12 goals against average and a .905 save percentage for the worst team in the league. However, the potential he’s shown already has our staff still believing in his talent.
Ullmark will play for the Amerks this season, but not before he heals from injury. It’s a bit unnerving that prior to playing professionally in North America Ullmark has had to have surgeries on both his hips. That injury kept him out of this year’s Development Camp, which he had really excelled in the year prior. When he does return, odds are he’ll split time with Andrey Makarov.
Ullmark has the size that intrigues many NHL scouts, but is still a bit raw. He’s one of the best goalies in the team’s system, but if he is the goalie of the future in Buffalo it will likely be after at least a season and a half in the AHL. He’s already played against men and made a name for himself as one of the top goalies in Sweden, so there’s plenty of potential there.
Check out the latest in the Top 25 Under 25 series here.