RALEIGH, North Carolina — Felix Unger Sorum has tested himself in a variety of hockey environments over the past year, and no matter where the 18-year-old Carolina Hurricanes forward prospect plays, expectations have only increased.

“I haven’t really thought about it too much,” said Unger Sorum, who was selected by the Hurricanes in the second round (No. 62) of the 2023 NHL Draft. “I just try to take it one day at a time, practice as much as I can and go out and play my game. I usually don’t think too much when I’m on the ice or before a game.”

The player, who gained confidence in his first development camp in Carolina last summer, was able to play until the end of the camp before returning to Sweden.

“It was really fun to have the chance to be (at training camp),” he said. “When I got back home, it was getting close to my first senior games, so it was a big confidence boost and I just tried to build on that.”

Playing for Leksands IF in the Swedish Hockey League for two seasons as a junior, then playing his first full season against the boys, Unger Sorum had 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 35 games and three points (one goal, two assists) in six SHL playoff games.

He also represented Sweden at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2024 IIHF World Championship, winning silver and bronze medals respectively. At the World Junior Championship, he had six points (one goal, five assists) in seven contests, ranking fifth among all Swedish skaters.

“His steep progression from the J-20 (junior) league to the SHL, then from the SHL to the World Series is incredible,” Hurricanes assistant general manager Darren Yorke said. “It’s really a testament to how smart and competitive he is.

“The other thing we have to be reminded of is how young he is. You say all these things and it excites you because there’s still so much growth that can happen.”

Unger Sorum is known for his passing skills, which is why he is considered a point guard in the NHL. He said he is thinking about how to complement his game.

“I want to try to score more goals, get to the dirty areas in front of the net and score some rebound goals,” he said. “And continue to improve what I’m good at: protecting the puck, trying to find plays and being a consistent player.”

Carolina is keeping the door open for one of its young forward prospects to make the roster this fall. Unger Sorum’s experience playing against the pros in Sweden will help, but at 5 feet 11 inches, 172 pounds, he knows his size is a barrier to reaching the NHL in the short term and is realistic about the challenge that awaits him in training camp.

“I need to gain some weight and some muscle,” he said. “And I could be a much better player than I am now, but we’ll see.

“Even if they’re bigger than me, I should still try to do my own thing. I’ll do my best and see where it takes me.”