Ducks trade up to take Stian Solberg 23rd overall

The Anaheim Ducks moved up to grab defenseman Stian Solberg with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

The Ducks dealt picks No. 31 and 58 in this year's draft to the Toronto Maple Leafs for the 23rd selection.

Solberg is the second-highest-drafted Norwegian in NHL history after the Detroit Red Wings took Michael Brandsegg-Nygard 15th overall Friday. Marius Holtet was the previous highest-drafted Norwegian when the Dallas Stars selected him 42nd overall in 2002.

Solberg was a considerable riser on Central Scouting's international skater list, jumping from 26th on the midterm rankings to 20th on the final edition. The Norwegian blue-liner represented his country impressively at the world juniors and world championships this year, and he's set to make the jump to tougher competition with Farjestad BK in the Swedish league next season.

Solberg isn't as flashy as some of the other top-rated defensive prospects this year but is highly mobile for his size and plays with plenty of physicality. His punishing, old-school style of defense should translate to the NHL whenever he gets his chance.

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