Mattias Ohlund: "It is a little bit warm for a dog."

I was surprised to read an article on Ohlund in the Vancouver Sun, considering that OHlund isn't a Canuck anymore. Regardless, it was nice to get an update on how he's doing. I guess the Ohlund family isn't minding the heat (except for Eros, their labrador). In Tampa news, I've heard about Victor's giveaways but nothing on Ohlund's play. I guess that's a good thing. I'm sad that I can't watch any of his games.

Anyway, here's the Elliott Pap article on Mattias.

Mattias Ohlund in a sunshine state with Bolts

Former Canuck D-man enjoying new role, and going to the rink in shorts
Mattias Ohlund was trying not to rub it in but it still sounded totally outrageous.

“It’s 91 degrees and sunny here right now,” the ex-Vancouver Canuck announced Monday, happily giving the weather report from his new home in Tampa, Fla. “We had a little bit of rain and lightning when we first got here but it’s been pretty much in the 90s for the last month. So there is nothing to complain about. Actually, our dog might be the only one complaining. It is a little bit warm for a dog.”

After 11 seasons as a Canuck, Ohlund opted for a gigantic leap to the U.S. south and a non-traditional hockey market. A lucrative seven-year deal worth $26.25 million certainly didn’t hurt but Ohlund insisted he wanted something completely different. He has it now. He’s even wearing a new digit on his jersey, No. 5.

“It’s been very good,” he said of the transition. “Obviously we loved Vancouver but it’s been a nice change both on and off the ice. We are really enjoying all the new experiences.”

One of those “new” experiences is driving to the practice rink in shorts and a T-shirt. That, Ohlund noted, is not among the toughest things to take.

“You adjust easily,” he chuckled. “But even though you go to the rink in shorts and a T-shirt, once you get inside, you have no idea what it’s like outside. It feels like you could be anywhere.”

Ohlund, 33, is an integral part of a revamped Lightning blueline. He has four assists and is a plus-1 in nine games — Tampa is 3-3-3 — and he has been partnered with much touted rookie and fellow Swede Victor Hedman since the season began.

It’s no secret Lightning GM Brian Lawton wanted Ohlund to mentor Hedman, just as Ohlund had done in Vancouver with the likes of Brent Sopel and Alex Edler.

Hedman was drafted second overall last June. Not coincidentally, he has four assists and is a plus-1, numbers identical to Ohlund.

“Victor is a very, very talented guy,” Ohlund said. “He still has a lot to learn but, for being 18, he’s very mature and obviously he has a ton of skill. So it’s been fun playing with him.”

The Lightning don’t play in Vancouver this season so Ohlund’s only chance to skate in a meaningful game at GM Place will be during the Olympics. He is hoping to be selected and likely will if he remains healthy.

He was a member of the

2006 gold-medal winning Swedish team although he

didn’t suit up for the final in Turin due to injury.

“Absolutely, I would like to play in the Olympics,” Ohlund stated. “They haven’t picked the team yet but I’m obviously hoping to make it. After playing so many years in Vancouver, that would be a lot of fun. It feels like a long ways away, which it’s not, but it feels like it because we have so many games before that.”

Only 52 more, to be exact, and the 49th will be a home game against the Canucks. Ohlund admits he is keeping a keen eye on his ex-mates and talks regularly to a few of the boys.

“I watch the highlights and I watched a little bit of their game against Edmonton,” he said. “I know they had a rough start to the season but they’ve played a lot better lately. They have a great team there.

“Our team? We’ve had some good games and some not-so good games. This is a team here that’s been close to the worst record in the league the last two years so we have a long way to go. But I do feel we’re going to be able to compete for a playoff spot.”

Whatever the case, Ohlund is clearly happy to be feeling the heat, not the rain, during an NHL season.