Anton Blidh

Last updated

Anton Blidh
Anton Blidh - Boston Bruins.jpg
Blidh with the Boston Bruins in 2015
Born (1995-03-14) 14 March 1995 (age 29)
Mölnlycke, Sweden
Height 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight 201 lb (91 kg; 14 st 5 lb)
Position Forward
Shoots Left
NHL team
Former teams		 New York Rangers
Frölunda HC
Boston Bruins
Colorado Avalanche
NHL draft 180th overall, 2013
Boston Bruins
Playing career 2013–present

Anton Blidh (born 14 March 1995) is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward for theNew York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Blidh was selected by the Boston Bruins in the sixth round (180th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Contents

Playing career

Blidh playing with Frolunda HC in 2014 Anton Blidh.JPG
Blidh playing with Frölunda HC in 2014

Growing up in Sweden, Blidh split time between the Frolunda U-18 team and Frolunda junior team during the 2012-2013 season. After recording 17 goals and 10 assists in 43 games for the Frolunda junior team, Blidh was drafted in the sixth round, 180th overall, by the Boston Bruins in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. [1] Following the draft, Blidh made his Swedish Hockey League debut playing with Frölunda HC during the 2013–14 SHL season. [2] He played with the Frölunda HC until 2015, accumulating 10 points through 72 games and 28 penalty minutes. On 29 May 2015, Blidh signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Bruins after appearing in two of their development camps. [3]

Boston Bruins

Upon joining the Bruins organisation in North America, Blidh was assigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Providence Bruins for the 2015–16 season. [4] In his first season with the team, Blidh recorded 10 goals and four assists through 65 games. [5]

The following season, Blidh was re-assigned to the Providence Bruins to begin the 2016–17 season. He played 19 games, producing five goals and four assists in Providence, before being recalled to the NHL level on 2 December 2016. [6] He made his NHL debut the following game in a 2–1 road game win over the Buffalo Sabres, achieving three shots on goal and four hits in his 10:12 of on-ice time. [7] Following this, he scored his first career goal with the Bruins in a home-game loss to the New York Islanders on 20 December 2016. [8] During a game against the Nashville Predators, Blidh recorded a hard hit against Roman Josi which resulted in a major penalty for interference [9] and caused Josi to be placed on injured reserve. [10] Blidh was eventually returned to Providence again on 21 January 2017 after skating in 19 games and posting one goal and one assist with seven penalty minutes. [11]

During the 2017–18 season, Blidh set new career-highs in Providence with 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points through 71 games. He spent the majority of the season in the AHL, making only one NHL appearance on March 19 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. As a result of his play, Blidh signed a one-year, two-way contract with an NHL cap hit of $650,000. [12] Following the signing, he was again returned to Providence and only played in one NHL game during a 6–3 loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning on 6 April. While in the AHL, he played in 74 games and scored 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points. On 1 May 2019, Blidh signed a two-year, two-way contract extension with the Bruins. [13]

Blidh appeared in 10 total games for Boston during the shortened 2020–21 season, recording one goal. On 17 July 2021, the Bruins signed Blidh to a one-year, two-way contract with an NHL cap hit of $750,000. [14] In his seventh year with the Bruins in the 2021–22 season, Blidh played the full season in Boston, appearing in a career-high 32 games, recording 2 goals and 9 points in a depth forward role.

Colorado Avalanche

As a free agent from the Bruins, Blidh was signed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Colorado Avalanche, on 3 August 2022. [15] After a successful training camp and pre-season, Blidh made the Avalanche opening season roster for the 2022–23 season. After serving as an healthy scratch, Blidh was re-assigned to begin his year with AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, before shortly returning to the Avalanche and making his debut in a 4–3 overtime defeat to the Winnipeg Jets on 19 October 2022. [16] Blidh went scoreless through 14 games with the Avalanche over the first half of the season before returning to the Eagles.

New York Rangers

On 3 March 2023, Blidh was traded by the Avalanche to the New York Rangers in exchange for fellow Swedish forward Gustav Rydahl. [17] Assigned directly to AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, Blidh increased his offensive output, in recording 7 goals and 11 points in 17 regular season games. In the post-season, Blidh finished third in team scoring in notching 7 points through 9 playoff contests.

On 8 June 2023, Blidh opted to forgo free agency in agreeing to a two-year, two-way contract extension with the Rangers. [18]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
2012–13 Frölunda HC J20 431710278061230
2013–14Frölunda HCJ202711142520—————
2013–14 Frölunda HC SHL 24055261230
2013–14 Karlskrona HK Allsv 111126—————
2014–15Frölunda HCJ2011122—————
2014–15 Frölunda HCSHL4850526131014
2015–16 Providence Bruins AHL 651041448—————
2016–17 Providence BruinsAHL531061641171016
2016–17 Boston Bruins NHL 191127—————
2017–18 Providence BruinsAHL711115263642026
2017–18 Boston BruinsNHL10000—————
2018–19 Providence BruinsAHL741013239441122
2018–19 Boston BruinsNHL10000—————
2019–20 Providence BruinsAHL420214—————
2019–20 Boston BruinsNHL70000—————
2020–21 Boston BruinsNHL101016—————
2020–21 Providence BruinsAHL1134714—————
2021–22 Boston BruinsNHL3227924—————
2022–23 Colorado Eagles AHL36661248—————
2022–23 Colorado Avalanche NHL140004—————
2022–23 Hartford Wolf Pack AHL1774111092574
2023–24 New York Rangers NHL10002—————
2023–24 Hartford Wolf PackAHL6471017771020214
SHL totals72551028192244
NHL totals84481243—————

International

YearTeamEventResultGPGAPtsPIM
2013 Sweden U18 5th51010
2015 Sweden WJC 4th71234
Junior totals122244

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derek Morris (ice hockey)</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1978)

Derek Terrence Morris is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played over 1,100 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Phoenix Coyotes, Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. He was originally drafted out of the Western Hockey League (WHL) 13th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brett Skinner</span> Canadian ice hockey player and coach

Thomas Brett Skinner is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and current head coach of the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League (USHL). He spent one season as the head coach of the Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) after serving five seasons as an assistant coach with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loui Eriksson</span> Swedish ice hockey player (born 1985)

Loui William Eriksson is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Hunwick</span> American ice hockey player (born 1985)

Matthew John Hunwick is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres. Hunwick was born in Warren, Michigan, but grew up in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Matt is the older brother of Shawn Hunwick.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cody McLeod</span> Canadian ice hockey winger (born 1984)

Wesley Cody McLeod is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who is the player development coach for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League. As an undrafted player, McLeod previously played in the National Hockey League for the Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, and New York Rangers. McLeod was best known for his role as a tough, physical forward.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johnny Boychuk</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1984)

John Paul Boychuk is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. Drafted 61st overall in 2002 by the Colorado Avalanche, he played for the Colorado Avalanche, the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). In 2011, he was a part of the Bruins' Stanley Cup championship team. He was traded to the Islanders prior to the 2014–15 season, where he would announce retirement after six seasons with the team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Colborne</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1990)

Joseph William Colborne is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward. Colborne was a first round selection, 16th overall, of the Boston Bruins at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, but never played for the team. He was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2011 and spent parts of three seasons in the Toronto organization before joining the Calgary Flames in a 2013 trade. After three seasons with the Flames, Colborne signed as a free agent with the Colorado Avalanche in the 2016 off-season. He played in the Avalanche organization for parts of two seasons before a concussion abruptly ended his career partway through the 2017–18 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Viktor Stålberg</span> Swedish ice hockey player (born 1986)

Viktor Stålberg is a Swedish former professional ice hockey winger. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Holden</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1987)

Nick Holden is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights, and Ottawa Senators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Carey (ice hockey)</span> American ice hockey player (born 1988)

Paul Charles Carey is an American coach and former professional ice hockey center who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). After being drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Carey also played for the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Djurgårdens IF.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tommy Cross</span> American ice hockey player (born 1989)

Thomas Reginald Cross is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Boston Bruins. Cross was selected by the Bruins in the second round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Irwin</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1987)

Matthew Irwin is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman for the Abbotsford Canucks in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Irwin has previously played in the NHL for the Washington Capitals San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators, Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keith Kinkaid</span> American ice hockey player (born 1989)

Keith Patrick Kinkaid is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cody Goloubef</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1989)

Cody Goloubef is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently an unrestricted free agent who most recently played for SC Bern of the National League (NL). Goloubef was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second round, 37th overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Goloubef was selected to represent Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Petrovic</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1992)

Alexander Petrovic is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for the Texas Stars in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). Petrovic was selected by the Florida Panthers in the second round, 36th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft from the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League (WHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jayson Megna</span> American professional ice hockey forward (born 1990)

Jayson Megna is an American professional ice hockey forward playing for the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Megna was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but grew up in Northbrook, Illinois where he started to play hockey at the age of 7.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gustav Rydahl</span> Swedish professional ice hockey centre (born 1994)

Gustav Rydahl is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre for Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Warsofsky</span> American ice hockey player (born 1990)

David Matthew Warsofsky is an American professional ice hockey defenseman. He is currently playing with Augsburger Panther of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Renouf</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Daniel Renouf is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Shane Bowers is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). Bowers was drafted in the first round, 28th overall, of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators. He has also played for the Colorado Avalanche.

References

  1. ↑ "The Boston Bruins Make Six Selections in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft". National Hockey League. 1 July 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  2. ↑ "Frölunda HC 2013–14 player statistics". eliteprospects.com. 15 April 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  3. ↑ "Bruins Sign Anton Blidh to an Entry-Level Contract". National Hockey League. 29 May 2015. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  4. ↑ "Boston Bruins Make Roster Transactions". National Hockey League. 1 October 2015. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  5. ↑ "Anton Blidh". Elite Prospects. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  6. ↑ "Bruins Recall Anton Blidh From Providence". National Hockey League. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  7. ↑ Russo, Eric (4 December 2016). "Blidh Brings Energy in NHL Debut". National Hockey League . Retrieved 4 December 2016.
  8. ↑ Haggerty, Joe (21 December 2018). "Blidh notches first NHL goal in Bruins' loss". nbcsports.com. Retrieved 6 May 2018.
  9. ↑ Clinton, Jared (13 January 2017). "Bruins' Blidh given major for hard hit that knocked Predators' Josi out of game". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  10. ↑ "Predators' Josi to miss at least 3 games after hit by Bruins' Blidh". The Score. 13 January 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  11. ↑ "Bruins Assign Anton Blidh To Providence". National Hockey League. 21 January 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  12. ↑ "Bruins Sign Sean Kuraly and Anton Blidh". National Hockey League. 3 July 2018. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
  13. ↑ "Bruins Sign Anton Blidh To 2-Year, 2-Way Contract Extension". National Hockey League. 1 May 2019. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  14. ↑ "Bruins Sign Anton Blidh To One-Year, Two-Way Contract". National Hockey League. 17 July 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  15. ↑ "Avalanches signs Blidh". Colorado Avalanche. 3 August 2022. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  16. ↑ "Avs edged 4-3 in overtime by the Jets". Colorado Avalanche. 19 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
  17. ↑ "NYR Acquire Anton Blidh from Colorado and Wyatt Kalynuk from Vancouver". New York Rangers. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  18. ↑ "Rangers agree to terms with Anton Blidh". New York Rangers. 8 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.