He still has some time before he’s a full-time member of the Philadelphia Flyers, but for the time being, 2024 second-round draft pick Jack Berglund’s development is heading in the right direction according to his current head coach in the SHL.

Cam Abbott, who became Farjestads BK’s head coach in January after the team fired the previous coach, briefly discussed the center’s progress in the relatively short time he’s been coaching the 19-year-old native of Karlstad, Sweden. In an interview with friend of the blog and Eye On The Prize’s Patrik Bexell, Abbott made it clear that he has a lot of time for Berglund while acknowledging what the Flyers prospect needs to work on to reach the NHL.

“Jack’s done a good job with us,” Abbott said. “Yeah, he’s growing into his his role in pro hockey every game, so another solid one tonight. He’s got a long time yet before he’s ready.”

Flyers prospect Jack Berglund receives praise from SHL head coach

Thus far with the Swedish club, Berglund (who turns 20 years old in April) has seven goals and five assists for 12 points in 40 games. As well, he’s played one playoff game thus far and earned an assist on a third period goal, while playing 14:38 time-on-ice in a 2-1 victory Tuesday over Rogle BK to take an early lead in the seven-game series.

Berglund, who is 6-foot-2 and 209 pounds, is showing a wisdom beyond his years according to Abbott. Perhaps even more impressive is that Berglund is earning the minutes, nothing is being given to him based on past accomplishments.

“His strength is his physical and mental maturity for his age and for, you know, his position in our team,” Abbott said. “He’s been a pleasure to work with, (a) tremendous person, loves to train, rink rat. He just continues to put the work in, to keep improving. To play in this league, at that age, demands the minutes that he’s playing and the effect he’s having on the game, and he’s done a great job handling that responsibility, earning the opportunities. I’m looking forward to working with him for a few years.”

It has been rumored that the 19-year-old could be on his way to North America after this season as he’s seen his stock rapidly rise, but Abbott’s quick comment about working with him for more years might tell us differently. It’s either the SHL head coach does not know the future of this player and that is more for Farjstad’s management to work with the Flyers for — or he spilled the beans and Berglund will be staying in the SHL for at least one more season.

Berglund, who spent a brief part of this season with the junior club in Farjestad — as well as dazzling everyone at the World Juniors with 10 points in seven games while captaining Team Sweden to gold — is beginning to find his place on the team, even if it’s not the primary role he might have had with the Swedish national junior team, but securely in the middle six on one of the best teams in the SHL. That’s impressive enough.

“He finds his way in,” Abbott said. “Everybody leads in their own way, and I think he’s himself. That’s the best part. You get Jack every day, and he finds ways to lead with his enthusiasm, energy, his play at times. So, it’s been a great environment. I can’t say enough about the leadership we have within our team, some of the older guys, and helping him find that that solid path forward.”

Given the dearth of centers the Flyers have on their roster now, it’s crucial some of their centers in the pipeline develop into high-end, talented centers. The hope is Berglund is one of those pieces down the road. But for now, Abbott is seeing Berglund as a forward who isn’t exactly rough around the edges given his age while competing against older and more experienced players.

“I think we’ll get a very polished player. I’ll leave it at that.”