After picking forward Gracyn Sawchyn in the second round and defenseman Albert Wikman in the fourth round, on the advice of its “goaltending excellence department,” the Florida Panthers went a bit off the board with its selection of Swedish netminder Olof Glifford in the fifth round.
- Olof Glifford (18)
- Drafted: 159th overall
- Position: Goaltender
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 198 lbs
- Current Team: HV71 J20
- Glove: Left
- Rankings: Not ranked by EliteProspects or NHL Central Scouting
Glifford appears to be a ghost online and was unranked by both NHL Central Scouting and EliteProspects. It was difficult to find video of him but it’s not surprising he was on Florida’s radar. In fact, this pick is brought to us by the club’s famous ‘goaltending excellence department!’ After the draft, general manager Bill Zito said in an interview that: “the Panthers’ Goaltending Excellence Department was extra diligent ‘in their research of Glifford. They were pretty happy about (drafting) him.”
Why isn’t it surprising he was on the Panthers radar? Florida, like most teams, loves drafting big goalies such as Spencer Knight, Tyler Muszelk, and Mack Guzda, who all are well over 6’2″ in height.
On top of his physical attributes, Glifford produced a great season in his draft year to catch the eye of Florida’s brass. He appeared in 11 games with HV71 J18 of the Swedish J18 juniors posting a 2.56 goals against average and a .929 save percentage, leading all Swedish J18 South goalies in those categories. In the postseason, Glifford recorded a 2.68 GAA and a .923 SV% in six appearances.
He made three appearances in the Swedish J20 juniors, going 3-0-0 with a 1.65 GAA and .949 save percentage.
Glifford was also picked as a goaltender for Sweden in the U18 World Junior Championships, but did not get to play in the games.
What others are saying:
Chris Peters – Big goalie Olof Glifford is a player I’m interested to see develop because he has a lot of tools and the size NHL teams covet.
Shaun Richardson from FC Hockey – Glifford plays a butterfly style and moves through the crease with the speed and accuracy often reserved for much smaller goaltenders.’
Fun Fact: former Florida prospect Henrik Borgstrom is part of the SHL club, HV71 as he recently signed a two-year contract with them on June 26, 2023.