My groin injury had been nagging me since Christmas and I didn't have the year I wanted," said Figren.
The 19-year-old posted solid numbers in his first WHL season. Despite the groin problems, he potted 10 goals and 17 assists in 62 games and added eight points (four goals and four assists) in 18 playoff games.
"Coming in here there will be some pressure to help lead the team offensively but I enjoy the pressure," said Figren, who hasn't seen any action during the first ever pre-season tournament at Servus Credit Place in St.Albert.
"The groin isn't quite where it needs to be yet, but it's getting better and better."
Oil Kings bench boss Steve Pleau isn't about to rush Figren into action. The Swede is off to Long Island for the New York Islanders camp on Sept. 11 and Pleau is going to wait for their team doctors to give Figren the green light. The Islanders chose Figren with their third round selection, 70th overall in the 2006 NHL entry draft.
"Once he gets healthy and is able to condition himself to play in the league we feel he can be a top-two line player for us," said Pleau.
"We need him to score goals for us."
"I gained a lot of experience going there last year-- you really have to work your ass off. When I came back (to Calgary) I just wanted to come back and have a good year, but the league was way tougher than I thought," said Figren.
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Swede will get his chance |
Edmonton Sun has a full update on prospect Robin Figren.