The current number four prospect for the Buffalo Sabres, earned Player of the Month honors for the Rochester Americans for March. He also won Player of the Week this past week for March 24th-30th as well. As playoffs are right around the corner for the Americans, seeing him get hot is a top priority for this team.
He recorded nine goals and five assists for 14 points in 11 games for Rochester in March. He started the month with goals against Syracuse and Laval, two division rivals against whom they are fighting for playoff positioning.
Ostlund recorded his first AHL hat trick on Mar. 22 also against Syracuse, and then scored the game-winning goal the next night against Utica. He had another goal in a victory over Bridgeport on Mar. 28. Then proceeded to have a three-point night at Syracuse on Mar. 29, and added a goal and an assist against Syracuse again on Mar. 30, finishing March with goals in five consecutive games and points in seven straight.
It is safe to say Syracuse had no answer for Ostlund this month, as he completely dominated them. Ostlund has totaled 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points in 43 games with the Americans this season. The 21-year-old from Sweden leads AHL rookies in plus/minus rating at +20, and his 14 goals since the All-Star break are fourth-most for the entire league.
Can Ostlund be the X-Factor for the Americans
As the playoffs draw near, the Rochester Americans currently hold second place in the North Division, trailing the Laval Rocket by just five points. If they face the Rocket in the playoffs, the team will need a player to step up, and Ostlund seems like the perfect candidate for the job.
With Ostlund heating up ahead of the playoffs and a potential line pairing with Isak Rosen and Brett Murray, the Americans could boast one of the top lines in the AHL.
This could also serve as a pivotal tryout for Ostlund as he looks to secure a spot on the Buffalo Sabres roster for next season. With the Sabres possibly looking to fill spots on their third and fourth lines, Rosen seems like a lock for one of those positions, but Ostlund could claim one as well if he continues his impressive play.
The 21-year-old is thriving in his first full AHL season. While he may still need some development, there’s no doubt that he’ll be a Buffalo Sabre before long.