Andersson Sidelined By Injury

Boston Bruins Prospect Axel Andersson has now missed three games in a row.

Don’t panic, I’ve been told it isn’t that bad.

Tis the season for unclear and guarded injury reports.

There is a chance Andersson might be in the lineup today when the Moncton Wildcats face their northern rivals the Acadie Bathurst Titan.

The Bruins second rounder has missed those games with an apparent day to day injury.

Illness and nagging injuries are par for the course this time of year.

The dog days of winter have set in, with several Wildcat regulars finding themselves out the last few games. Again don’t worry the Cats aren’t facing major injury woes at the moment and if anything it’s by design.

You can relax it has nothing to do with load management yet!

Daniel Lacroix and the Cats coaching staff have done a fantastic job getting all of their depth players in the line up.

With a very busy February the Cats like many other championship caliber teams in the QMJHL are trying to manage their clientele the best they can to ensure every one is 100% heading into the playoffs.

The Cats find themselves battling it out for 1st overall in the Eastern Conference.

They certainly don’t have the luxury to sit back and rest right now they can’t afford to take any games lightly, because seeding is ultra important.

The Wildcats have to be ready for anything come playoff time, especially in highly competitive Eastern Conference.

As it stands right now two amazing team are going to be out in the 2nd round of the President Cup Playoffs.

Andersson’s absence has come at a time when the Cats faced the Saint John Sea Dogs in a back to back scenario. The highly talented defender missed one part of a game two weekends ago when all the player’s mother’s were in town when he blocked a shot with his foot.

Andersson played the next day and two games on the following road trip, so it’s clearly not that keeping him out of the lineup, but you never know.

The highly skilled two-way defender has had a tremendous season in his first season playing in North American.

In 41 games, the native of Jarna, Sweden has 2 goals and 22 assists, 29 PIMs and is + 16.

Detroit Red Wings Prospect Jared McIsaac who was acquired by the Cats during the Trade Period was initially paired with Andersson upon his arrival. The future NHLer’s found instant chemistry and played a handful of games together before McIsaac found a new defensive partner in LA Kings Draft Pick Jordan Spence.

Overage rear guard Christian Huntley was moved up to play on Andersson’s left.

The B’s have certainly found a very versatile transitional defenceman in Axel Andersson.

Andersson is already a two and half zone defender with incredible instincts and hockey sense.

As any young defenceman Andersson will need to refine his defensive presence at the next level to reach his maximum potential.

Nevertheless, Andersson has all the intangibles and an outstanding foundation in which to build on and has all the makings to be a highly effective pro.

Obviously, there have been adjustments made given the North American game, but his physicality hasn’t been called into question once this season a matter of fact the quiet soft spoken kid from Sweden can throw them as well.

That’s right Axel Andersson, can fight.

Now don’t get me wrong the south paw won’t be called on to do it very often, but he can definitely handle himself throwing the knuckles.

It’s hard not to get excited when discussing Axel Andersson’s potential.