Jonatan Berggren’s Impact on the St. Louis Blues
Jonatan Berggren, recently added to the St. Louis Blues via the waiver wire, has quickly made his presence felt on the ice, achieving remarkable early success in just three games. In this short span, the 25-year-old forward has scored two goals and amassed a total of four points, including an impressive three-point performance against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, Florida Panthers.
From Overlooked to Key Player
Berggren’s rapid transition has seen him upgraded from being overlooked by the Detroit Red Wings, the team that selected him in the second round of the draft, to playing a crucial role on the Blues’ first line. Coach Jim Montgomery has quickly developed confidence in his abilities, placing him in high-stakes situations such as the team’s top line and power-play unit while granting him an average of 15:12 of ice time—a significant increase from his previous averages.
Performance Metrics
Although maintaining a shooting percentage of 33 percent may be unrealistic, Berggren is generating two shots on goal per game and contributing positively to the team’s performance metrics. Natural Stat Trick reports that while Berggren is on the ice, the Blues boast a remarkable 66.25 percent Corsi For percentage and a staggering expected goals percentage of 78.24. The team has also outscored opponents 3-0, enjoyed a substantial high-danger chance advantage of 17-4, and has created 30 scoring opportunities while limiting the competition to just nine at even strength.
Playing Style and Future Potential
Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 195 pounds, Berggren is not the most physically imposing player, lacking in raw strength and speed. However, his effective and intelligent style of play has allowed him to make a significant impact. That said, consistent performance will be vital if he aims to solidify his role within the team structure. Montgomery noted that offensive capability is only part of effective play, as defensive skills will also be critical for long-term success.
“You never know,” Montgomery remarked on Berggren’s potential. “He looks very comfortable. He has demonstrated elite passing, and his hockey sense and vision are quite evident. There’s a lot we still want to evaluate.”
Looking Ahead
Despite this promising start, it is essential to scrutinize Berggren’s performance over a broader scope. During his tenure with the Detroit Red Wings, he played 169 games, scoring 31 goals and totaling 66 points, with inconsistencies often hindering his impact on the ice. His time in Detroit saw flashes of potential but too often left the team wanting more—a pattern that must change if Berggren wishes to become a mainstay in St. Louis.
Teammate Robert Thomas commended Berggren after the Blues’ recent victory, stating,
“He has been impressive to watch. He’s constantly seeking to make plays, and his confidence is palpable. He positions himself well on the ice, and his awareness is exceptional. When playing with a guy like that, it’s essential to stay available for passes.”
The Blues are set to face a tough challenge tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning, where Berggren will continue to line up with Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich on the top unit, and the pressure is on to replicate the early successes he has experienced.
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