According to reports, the Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Lukas Bengtsson to an entry-level contract. Craig Custance of ESPN originally reported the news.
Penguins have signed undrafted free agent D Lukas Bengtsson to ELC. Big playoff w/Frolunda, lots of interest. Great skater. High hockey IQ.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) April 27, 2016
Bengtsson, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs in around 180-pounds is known as an offensive defenseman who possesses a terrific skating ability. His scouting report via EliteProspects.Com is below.
Bengtsson is a defenseman who stands out with his terrific skating ability and offensive instincts. Owns excellent acceleration and agility, allowing him to rush the puck up the ice. Of below-average size, he still protects the puck well when skating. Manning the point on the power play, he has a great one-timer and quick decision-making ability. Always gets back defensively, but could certainly improve his overall game, given his hockey smarts.
Bengtsson’s skill set fits perfectly with Pittsburgh given their speed approach that stems from mobile, puck-moving defenseman.
The Swedish defenseman played 30 regular season games for Frolunda HC this season, netting seven goals and 14 total points. In 12 playoff games, he tallied two goals and seven points.
Below is a comparison of Bengtsson and Anton Stralman from their SHL days.
https://twitter.com/Josh_Khalfin/status/698534477707010048
The Penguins are committed to restocking their prospect cupboard, evident in the amount of college UFA’s they’ve signed in recent weeks. Bengtsson should prove to be a solid addition to that group and could be a very good puck-moving NHL defenseman in the future.
