Linus Klasen named AHL Player of the Week

Crank up the hype machine... on the strength of his dynamic scoring efforts (6 points in 3 games over the weekend), Milwaukee Admirals forward Linus Klasen was named the AHL's Player of the Week.

There's no doubt that he's off to a red-hot start in Milwaukee, but let's make sure he's for real before beating the drums for a Nashville callup, OK? Of course, the question becomes "at which point do we think he can make an impact at the NHL level?" Is it after 20 games? 40? Right now?

Follow after the jump for the press release...

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The American Hockey League announced today that Milwaukee Admirals left wing Linus Klasen has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Oct. 24, 2010. Klasen tallied three goals and three assists for six points in three games. 

Klasen began a busy weekend by notching an assist and then scoring the game-winning goal in Milwaukee's 3-2 victory at Grand Rapids on Friday night. Back home the following evening, Klasen picked up another goal and an assist as the Admirals defeated Abbotsford, 3-1. And on Sunday in Chicago, Klasen tallied his league-best seventh goal of the season and chipped in another assist in Milwaukee's 4-3 loss to the Wolves. 

In recognition of his achievement, Klasen will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Admirals home game. 

In his first season in North America, Klasen leads the AHL with seven goals and has added three assists for 10 points in seven games with Milwaukee. The 24-year-old native of Stockholm, Sweden, played the last three seasons for Sodertalje SK, and tied for fifth in the Swedish Elitserien with 51 points in 51 games in 2009-10. Klasen signed as a free agent with the Nashville Predators on Apr. 20, 2010. 

Other nominees for Reebok/AHL Player of the Week include Abbotsford goaltender Leland Irving, Binghamton goaltender Barry Brust, Bridgeport left wing Jesse Joensuu, Charlotte center Zach Boychuk, Chicago center Jason Krog, Grand Rapids right wing Jan Mursak, Hamilton center David Desharnais, Hartford goaltender Dov Grumet-Morris, Hershey right wing Ashton Rome, Houston goaltender Anton Khudobin, Lake Erie left wing Greg Mauldin, Manchester left wing Dwight King, Manitoba center Joel Perrault, Norfolk center Blair Jones, Oklahoma City goaltender Martin Gerber, Peoria goaltender Ben Bishop, Rochester left wing Kenndal McArdle, Rockford defenseman Brian Connelly, San Antonio right wing Brett MacLean, Syracuse goaltender Timo Pielmeier, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton defenseman Steve Wagner and Worcester right wing Benn Ferriero.     

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