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Vegas Golden Knights Should Sign Henrik Tommernes

By Benjamin Krzywicki

VANCOUVER, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 16: Henrik Tommernes #60 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against the San Jose Sharks during a preseason NHL game at Rogers Arena on September 16, 2013 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) *** LOCAL CAPTION *** Henrik Tommernes
VANCOUVER, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 16: Henrik Tommernes #60 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against the San Jose Sharks during a preseason NHL game at Rogers Arena on September 16, 2013 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) *** LOCAL CAPTION *** Henrik Tommernes /
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More than ever NHL teams are taking chances on top talents in European hockey leagues. The Chicago Blackhawks have benefited the most from this after signing Artemi Panarin and Michal Kempný from the Kontinental Hockey League or KHL. Paranin, is a first line forward for the Hawks and has 131 points in 141 games. Kempny has been a solid top 6 defenseman for the Hawks. These chances don’t always work though, Viktor Tikhonov would only play 11 games with Hawks and return to the KHL after one year. The Vegas Golden Knights are allowed to take as many chances on these low risk high reward players since they’re not going to be competing for a cup for at least a few years and will have plenty of roster room. Which is why I say the Vegas Golden Knights should take a chance on Henrik Tommernes.

The Swedish defenseman is an underrated UFA player. He will be 27 at the start of next season. Given his age, I would say the deal would be for one year. KHL and NLA teams are currently competing for the defenseman meaning even more this is the year to take a chance on him.  For the scouting report, we go to Erik K. Piri of Elite Prospects, “Tömmernes is a defenseman who stands out with his offensive vision and terrific skating ability. Knows how to evade forecheckers and get the puck up the ice. Mans the power play point with aplomb. Owns a great shot, too, and solid defensive instincts.” Those traits apply to same kind of player that you won’t be able to get in the expansion draft. The scouting report also matches up with what Tommernes has done for Frölunda HC, of the Swedish hockey league.

This season in 47 games, he has 6 goals and 31 assists. He was also a point per game player in the champions hockey league with 3 goals and 8 assists. In his 280 SHL game career, he has 119 points. Tommernes also spent half a season in the Liiga. Where in his short time he excelled with 10 points in 22 games.


Tommernes has come over to North America once already. Tommernes was drafted in the 7th round by the Vancouver Canucks in 2011.  In 2013, he would sign his entry deal with the Canucks. From 2013-2015, he played with the Canucks’  AHL Affiliate, the Utica Comets. In 77 AHL games he had 7 goals and 22 assists. During his second season, the Canucks and Tommernes would mutually terminate his contract allowing him to pursue opportunities in Europe. Its time though for Tommernes to take another crack at North American hockey. And as a result, the Vegas Golden Knights should be the team to give him that chance.

Next: The Vegas Golden Knights Are Searching For An AHL Affiliate. Where Could They Posssibly Go?

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