Hedman will do ‘whatever it takes to win’
Top defenseman in draft from same Swedish town as Forsberg, Sedin twins
 | Defenseman Victor Hedman shined the last two years going up against players older than him in the Swedish Elite League. |
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Victor Hedman will contend with John Tavares and Matt Duchene to be the No. 1 overall pick in Friday's NHL draft. While every word and minute of John Tavares' hockey career in Canada has been analyzed, North American media and fans are just getting to know Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman — one of three players who are projected as the possible No. 1 overall pick by the Islanders in Friday's NHL entry draft.
Hedman spent time with Sporting News' Craig Custance and other media members at the draft combine and the Stanley Cup playoffs. Here are highlights from those interviews:
Q: What are your thoughts on constantly being compared to John Tavares?
A: Obviously, he's a good player. It's good to be compared to him. It's getting closer to the draft, and that hype is going to get higher as the draft gets closer.
Q: How did you handle that hype in Sweden?
A: Obviously, it's not like over here. Coming to Ottawa in the world juniors was a big surprise to me. I'm not used to that. (Hockey) is getting bigger in Sweden, hockey and junior hockey is getting bigger. I'm just trying to answer all the questions I can.
Q: How did playing in Sweden get you ready for the NHL?
A: You're playing against men, and the Swedish Elite League is one of the best in the world. I'm lucky I played two years there. This year was a big year there; playing on the highest level in Sweden has been good for me. I'm really looking forward to making the next step to the NHL.
Q: Do you feel you should be more physical because of your size?
A: Of course, I'm big. Obviously the physical game is a big part of the game over here. I need to step up the physical part of my game. I have it in me, and I can't wait to show my physical game.
Q: Why should you be No. 1?
A: Good question. We'll see. I played two years against men; I know what it's all about. I like to see myself as a good two-way defenseman who can play in all situations. That's the bigger reason; I can play all situations. I do whatever it takes to win. I hate to lose. My winning mentality is one of my biggest assets.
Q: What can you share about your family?
A: We're located one hour north of Stockholm. It's a town hard to pronounce in English — Ornskoldsvik. Peter Forsberg is from there and the Sedin twins. My family is regular. My mom and dad work. My dad works in a factory as a technician. My mom is a kindergarten teacher.
Q: Did she teach you English?
A: She actually has a pretty hard time speaking English, but she knows about it. She can understand English. It's not like we talk English at home; she's not used to it. I learn my English through school.
Q: Are your parents as tall as you are?
A: My mom is pretty tall for a woman. That's where I get my legs.
Q: What are some of the tough questions you've heard from teams during the interview process?
A: I got a lot of questions about the world juniors. I didn't live up to my potential. Obviously, I didn't play on my best level. ... That's why I'm even more motivated to show people I can play in the NHL.
Q: Why do you think you struggled in that tournament?
A: I don't know. I played a defensive part, and I'm used to playing a little more offensive part. I did whatever it took to win. It was a big failure that we didn't win. I didn't play good, but I didn't play bad, either. I played on an average level, and that's not good enough to me."
Q: What did you think of Long Island when you visited?
A: It was very good. They showed me around Long Island, showed me the complex, the Coliseum. It was real nice. I really liked it. It wasn't what I expected. It was much nicer than I expected. It looked like home, all the trees and the beach houses. It was really nice.
Q: Do you have any concerns about the long-term stability in Long Island or that the team has struggled on the ice lately?
A: If I go to Long Island, they're still an NHL team, and I think they have a bunch of good players. The coach is young. They're still developing. They have old guys like Doug Weight and a good defenseman like Mark Streit and a goalie in Rick DiPietro. If I'm going to (go) there, I'm dedicated to win and do whatever it takes to help the Islanders reach the playoffs next year.
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