Capitals Prospect Magnusson, Sweden Win Bronze At World Juniors

The Washington Capitals saw one of their prospects capture a well-earned bronze medal at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships on Saturday, as Oskar Magnusson and Sweden topped Czechia, 3-1, in the bronze medal game.

In the bronze medal game against the Czechs, Magnusson skated 13 shifts, logging 8:04 minutes of ice time and registering one shot on goals. Fabian Lysell, Isak Rosen and Linus Sjodin struck for Sweden. Michal Gut had the lone goal for Czechia. Sweden has now medalled 20 times at World Juniors, the third-most times in WJC history.

Magnusson finished the tournament with a goal and assist through seven World Juniors games. He has also been blocking shots, showcasing his speed and playing a solid 200-foot game while switching between the top-6 and bottom-6 over the course of the tournament.

Sweden with 2 goals in under 2 minutes! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/AnwiRJJkqS

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 16, 2022

Magnusson went to the Capitals in the seventh round (211th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft. He spent 2021-22 playing with AIK in the HockeyAllsvenskan, the second-highest tier of pro hockey in Sweden. Through 41 games this past season, he dished five goals and six assists. Magnusson also had a strong development camp in Washington in mid-July.

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The 5-10, 165-pound forward is a versatile player that plays the game with speed and can get to the high-danger scoring areas. He also creates time and space for himself in order to generate chances and find passing lanes. In his own zone, he’s tough to match up against and isn’t afraid to sacrifice the body or kill penalties. Given his skill-set, Magnusson could end up being a steal for the Capitals down the road.

Sweden celebrates winning bronze! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/WjuqTOetdR

— Elite Prospects (@eliteprospects) August 20, 2022

As of now, Magnusson remains unsigned heading into the season, and it’s unclear where he’ll spend 2022-23. However, he’s certainly making a case for a contract and putting himself on Washington’s radar.

The 20-year-old wasn’t the only Capitals prospect who took part in World Juniors. Haakon Hanelt laced ’em up for Germany and also dished a goal and assist through five World Juniors games. Germany fell to Finland in the quarterfinals.