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Predators sign 2011 second-round pick goalie Magnus Hellberg

2011 NHL Entry Draft - Portraits

ST PAUL, MN - JUNE 25: 38th overall pick Magnus Hellberg by the Nashville Predators poses for a photo portrait during day two of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft at Xcel Energy Center on June 25, 2011 in St Paul, Minnesota. (EDITOR’S NOTE: This image has been digitally altered) (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Getty Images

When the Nashville Predators dealt Anders Lindback to the Tampa Bay Lightning last week, they did so knowing full well they had the depth to replace him.

Nashville signed 2011 second-round pick Magnus Hellberg to his three-year, entry-level deal and will likely see him challenge for the right to backup Pekka Rinne next season. Hellberg will have to contend with Jeremy Smith in camp as well as anyone the Preds may sign as a potential veteran backup.

Hellberg led the Swedish Junior League in save percentage, goals-against average, and shutouts last season so his record speaks for itself. Now he’ll come to North America with a chance to prove his worth on a much larger stage for a team that’s in flux this offseason.

The Preds have had success going with relatively unknown Swedes in a backup role already with Lindback doing his part the last two seasons. If Hellberg can do the same right away, Nashville will be more than pleased.