Baer.

I understand what you're getting at. It's the safest route for him. But, there are so many factors saying this young man is pretty dang close to NHL ready. He's already built like an NHLer, his work ethic is sublime, his motor never stops running, his fitness regime is unmatched and he's got skill for days. At most he's a D+2 for me. No way he gets beaten out by someone like Goldobin(if he returns). 

@Jaku It all depends how he does in his SHL season next year. Now, looking at last season, Hoglander and Andersson had pretty similar draft -1 seasons (Andersson's was a bit better). That's sort of what I'm basing this one. If Hog can can improve on the numbers Andersson put up in his draft +1 and, say, put up 35 points in 50 games or so, I could see him winning a roster spot as soon as he makes the trip over.

@Jaku @48MPHSlapShot I agree with 48. Most (including me at times) have a tendency to over rate prospects and the speed upon which they make it into the NHL, because we're excited. One only has to go back to past draft pages, the start of prospect threads to see how every prospect we drafted in the top 3 rounds was going to be an impact player right away or his D+1 year. It seldom happens, the NHL is a hard league to crack, don't forget that. I'm not saying either way how long it will take him, or if he even makes it, only to temper expectations. When people get so pumped, it often leads to people then piling on a player when he doesn't meet those unrealistic expectations / takes time to develop (like most players actually do!). ie See JV, OJ, even some grumbling started about Demko last year before he was called up. Take a look at the Lind and Gadjovich threads, they were going to come in and dominate! They are 2 years away at least still. I think as 48 said, lets see how he performs in the SHL, hope he does well, and just be patient! If he's the real deal, it will show in time.