New York Islanders Top 25 Under 25: Young Linus Soderstrom at #14

Linus Soderstrom is another goalie prospect with an interesting background, but unlike fellow northern European Christopher Gibson his pro career has really only just begun.

This season Söderström opened up to Swedish media about Asperger's and ADHD, and how embracing his diagnoses helped him be who he is. Who that is, is a pretty promising goalie prospect. In his junior career he's been known as a focused goalie who uses his size well to cut down angles and read the play. His experience in the pros is limited but also impressive thus far.

After a couple of second-tier loan stints, next season he'll leave his longtime Swedish club Djurgardens for HV71, which should provide a new lens on the 2014 picks development at the tender age of 20.

Though young and unproven at the pro level, Soderstrom is the second-highest goalie on our countdown -- a reflection of his potential, an indictment of the older goalies, or both?

How We Voted

Les (HockeyGoalieEh):

Linus Soderstrom turned the corner last year putting up a .927 save percentage in Sweden. The sample size is a bit smaller than one would like, but if he has similar results next year than he'll skyrocket up this list.

David King (CanadianIslesLifer):

After Ilya Sorokin, Soderstrom is the 2nd best goalie prospect drafted by Garth Snow.

Garik16:

Soderstrom has shown lots of talent in World tourneys, but barely has any time in a credible league (he has 17 Allsvenkan games last year). On the other hand, he's super young - he's not even 20 yet (a full year younger than Sorokin) so he's got plenty of time. But who the hell knows with goalies.

McNally:

Crazy good WJC, even better story overcoming adversity. Soderstrom is still under 20 and probably, bc of the lack of a transfer agreement with Russia, will probably be in North America before Sorokin.

The Great Pumpkin painted on his goalie mask? Orange is one of the Islanders colors.

Mike B.:

The Isles have drafted so many keepers it's not funny, but they seem to have gotten things right lately, with a lot of standout performers in international play and in pro leagues. But who knows? Goalies are voodoo, man.

Keith:

Was outstanding in international competitions. In 2020, it could be a Sorokin and Soderstrom net. Hopefully he gets even more starts this year in a great men's league.

Previously on the Spring '16 25U25

• #15: Third wheel J-F Berube
• #16: Scott Mayfield: Mean, but too ordinary?
• #17: Christopher Gibson is also a goalie
• #18: Doyle Somerby set to captain BU for his senior year
• #19: Carter Verhaeghe looks to build strength
• #20: Late bloomer Devon Toews turns pro
• #21: Stephon Williams rebounds from ECHL demotion
• #22: Matt Finn set for more time in Bridgeport
• #23: Eamon McAdam starts the goalie train
• #24: Jake Bischoff becomes a leader at U. of Minnesota
• #25: Pivotal year for Jesse Graham
• The Outsiders: Those who missed the Top 25U25 cut