LAS VEGAS – Liam Ohgren expected to be playing this late into the season, just not in the NHL with the Wild.
His Swedish team finished atop the standings, and Ohgren figured they’d be in action until May when the playoffs conclude. Instead, Färjestad BK was swept out of the gate and that catapulted Ohgren toward an opportunity he didn’t think would happen at this point of his career but a milestone he’s long coveted.
“It’s been my dream since I started playing hockey,” he said.
Ohgren made his NHL debut Friday while the Wild were crushed 7-2 by the Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena, the winger becoming the first draft pick from the team’s 2022 class to arrive and the latest prospect to earn a spot in the lineup as the Wild eye the future after not making the playoffs.
“Obviously, not the result we wanted,” said Ohgren, who wore No.28 and had his dad Andreas, mom Teresia, stepfather Linus, brother Noel and girlfriend Juni at the game. “But a special night for me and my family. To do the warmup, the rookie lap, it was awesome and to get my first game in the books, it’s a special moment.”
Already, this has been an eventful season for Ohgren.
After missing about three months because of stress fractures in his back, Ohgren returned in time to suit up for the World Junior Championship where he captained Sweden to a silver medal.
Then with Färjestad BK, he racked up 12 goals and seven assists in 26 games.