Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Joakim Nordstrom
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Nordstrom lost time to injuries and illness in 2019-20, producing a mere seven points in 48 contests with the Bruins, who let him walk in free agency. The Flames signed him to a league-minimum contract, with the hopes that Calgary's large Swedish contingent will be able to help Nordstrom rediscover his game. He's eclipsed 20 points just once in his career, and he hasn't had more than 12 points in each of his last four seasons. With the Flames, the 28-year-old is expected to play in a fourth-line, penalty-killing role. He'll add a bit of physicality, as Nordstrom is capable of 100-plus hits in a full season, but he's unlikely to produce more than 15 points.
With just seven goals and 12 points in 70 games in his first season as a Bruin, Nordstrom didn't make much of a fantasy mark in 2018-19, but the 27-year-old Swede did end up being a useful bottom-six forward for the team. With solid wheels and strong defensive skills, Nordstrom found a niche as a nice role player on a team that ended up just one win shy of a Stanley Cup title. He's under contract with Boston for one more season at a team-friendly rate of $1.1 million.
Nordstrom was once again a huge disappointment in 2017-18, registering just seven points in 75 games – the worst full-season output of his career. Following his career-high 24-point season back in 2015-16, Nordstrom had clearly worn out his welcome in Carolina and proceeded to sign as a free agent with the Bruins in July, inking a two-year, $2 million deal. He will attempt to revive his career in 2018-19, likely lining up on the Bruins' third or fourth line. He does not warrant fantasy consideration at the present time.
Last season was nothing short of disappointing for Nordstrom following his breakthrough 2015-16 campaign that saw him post a career-high 24 points in 71 games, playing on the Hurricanes’ top line alongside Jordan Staal and Andrej Nestrasil. He proceeded to follow that up with just 12 points last season, skating mostly in a checking-line capacity with the likes of Jay McClement and Viktor Stalberg. The Hurricanes still leaned heavily on the 25-year-old Swede, playing him in all 82 contests, but Nordstrom saw his average ice time drop by nearly three minutes per game (from 15:38 to 12:43), and his plus-minus declined to a minus-12. Looking ahead, Nordstrom needs to have a solid rebound campaign in 2017-18 if he wants to have any kind of future in Carolina.
After getting inconsistent looks in the Blackhawks' bottom-six forward group in 2013-14 and 2014-15, it seems that Nordstrom has finally found a home in Carolina. The 24-year-old came into last season with just one goal and six points in his 54-game NHL career, but finished the season with 10 goals and 24 points in 71 games while playing primarily on the Canes’ second line with Jordan Staal and Andrej Nestrasil. Looking ahead, don't expect Nordstrom to become a 30-goal scorer, but he has the potential to grab around 20 goals per season as his career progresses. Nordstrom was scheduled to undergo offseason wrist surgery this summer, but barring any complications, he should be back in a similar role with the 'Canes once the 2016-17 season begins.
The 22-year-old Swede showed enough promise last season to skate in 16 regular season games and lace them up in the playoffs during the series against the Wild. He has a shot this year at a fourth-line gig, but the Hawks will probably want him to spend more time in the AHL. He could get called up later in the season, but wait for him to show his mettle before you consider him waiver worthy.
Nordstrom, a third-round pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, spent most of his last four years in Sweden playing with AIK of the Swedish Elite League. He signed an entry-level contract with the Blackhawks in May 2012 and impressed the Chicago bosses enough to make the 2013-14 opening day roster.
