Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson: Ready for the NHL

Drafted tenth overall in the 2009 Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson wowed Edmonton fans who watched him rip up the ice at the Oilers development camp at Clareview Arena earlier this month. Although he skated alongside big names such as Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle, Magnus managed to dominate the ice with a combination of impressive skating skills, speed and fast hands.

The Swedish superstar was the second youngest player to play in a World U20 Tournament in 2008 and led Sweden to a bronze medal at the 2010 World Championships with nine goals in nine games. Shortly after Magnus’ extraordinary performance at the World Championships, on June 2nd, he signed a three year entry level contract with the Oilers, making the coming hockey season something to look forward to for Oilers fans. Youthink was lucky to get the chance to ask this up-and-coming Oiler about his hockey life.

YT: How long have you been playing hockey, and why did you start playing?

MPS: Since I was 6 years old, and my whole family was involved with hockey.

YT: Who’s your favourite hockey player and why?

MPS: I don’t have any favourite player; I like to look at the best players.

YT: In 2008, you were the youngest player ever to play on the Swedish World Junior Team. This year, you led the Swedish World Championship Team in scoring, and were third in the tournament for points. How does it feel to accomplish all of that while representing your country?

MPS: I always feel a great honour to play for my country and to be able to perform good in that jersey makes it all better.

YT: So you got drafted into the NHL tenth overall last year by the Oilers, Do you remember what was going through your head when they called your name?

MPS: I have no idea what was going on in my head actually that moment. I was just so happy and probably in shock.

YT: You played with Anton Lander, who also got drafted in 2009 by the Oilers, in Sweden and were even roommates. What was it like going through the development camp together?

MPS: He's one of my best friends and to experience the development camp together was really great. I really hope that we can play together some day in the Edmonton Oilers together.

YT: Most players are just adjusting to the level of play, but you have to adjust to a whole new culture. What’s that like? Do you like Edmonton?

MPS: I did get to see a few things and I have no complaints so far. I really enjoyed the week and learned a lot.

YT: What was your reaction to the crowd of over 500 people packing Clareview Arena during the development camp?

MPS: [Laughs] That was pretty cool in the middle of the summer. And you could just get a taste of the fans in Edmonton.

YT: What was the best part of the development camp for you?

MPS: Getting to know the staff and the players, to be able to bond with the guys is really important for me.

YT: There’s no doubt you bring speed to the team, but what else do you think you offer to the Oilers?

MPS: Work ethic over the ice and hopefully some offensive plays.

YT: You’re only 19 so you’ve got lots of time to get your career going, but what do you think your chances are of breaking the line-up this season?

MPS: I wouldn’t sign if I didn't think that I was ready for NHL, but I know there is a lot of work to come there. But I feel confident in myself and I am going to do everything I can to make the team this year.