Linus Ullmark
Position: Goalie
Age: 21
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 198 lbs.
2013-14 team: MODO (SHL)
Acquired: Taken in the sixth round (163rd overall) in the 2012 draft
Last year’s ranking: Not ranked
The Sabres famously found their goalie of the future when they took Ryan Miller in the fifth round of the 1999 draft. Did they find their next goalie of the future in the sixth round of 2012?
Linus Ullmark dazzled in his first full season in the SHL, the top level of hockey in Sweden, and was named the SHL Goalie of the Year. Last season he had a 2.08 GAA and a league best .931 save percentage with MODO. He’s got the stats, he’s got the size, and he’s got the potential to be a starting goaltender in the NHL.
He’s used to the awards too, as this season was the second year in a row that he was named the top goalie in his league. In 2012-13 he was named the top goalie in the SuperElit, the level below the SHL.
The Sabres signed Ullmark to a three-year deal this off-season, but he won’t be coming over to North America just yet. He’s expected to play another season in Sweden before heading to Rochester.
Ullmark was at the Sabres development camp this summer and looked very impressive, making some truly remarkable saves in drills. He was especially impressive during the 3-on-3 tournament, when he faced shots from both sides at a pretty non-stop pace.
Ullmark coming to Rochester next season feels a bit like waiting for the Beatles to arrive in the States. He’s already built up quite the reputation and has another season to build upon it. The other goalies in the Sabres system should be checking behind their shoulder, as Ullmark is on pace to pass the rest of the group.
Want to see all the Top 25 Under 25 so far? Click here.