2011 NHL Draft Results: B/R Interview with Adam Larsson

As Europe's No. 1 skater, Adam Larsson is expected to make an immediate impact in the NHL after playing for Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Elite League.

At 6'3", 220 lbs, Larsson is a large defenseman who is responsible in his own end and has a penchant for physical play (41 PIM).

At an unprecedented Reebok-CCM sponsored event at the St. Thomas Ice Arena in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, Larsson sat down with Bleacher Report to discuss the draft process and his future in the National Hockey League.

Questions are presented in bold. Answers are in standard print.

Tom Schreier is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. Interviews were conducted at a Reebok-CCM NHL Draft Prospects Event in Mendota Heights, MN.

On Playing Elitserien (SEL) Instead of Canadian Juniors

What do you bring from overseas that may be different than from playing Canadian juniors?

I don’t know, I think I’m maybe used to playing with all of them. I’ve been doing that for two years now.

Talk about the talent in Sweden:

Sweden is a big hockey country and they are coming, more young players, and we have some great players in last year’s draft.

On Draft Day Expectations

Who will be with you at the draft?

It will be my whole family. I’ll be bringing my parents and my big brother and little sister with me.

Is it your first time to Minnesota?

I’ve been in Minnesota twice now. We were here last year, just before the World Juniors.

On Leaving Home

What will you miss most about your hometown in Sweden?

It will be my friends and everything, the city. I’ve lived there my whole life.

Will they be tracking your progress, keeping in touch?

Yes. Of course.