Draft Update: Sweden Review
The Swedes were no Match for the Czech Republic in the quarter final, getting manhandled 5-1 .. finished in fifth place after a defeating Slovakia 5-4 .. received a lot of criticism from NHL scouts for a trap-style of play, which seemed to hurt some of its most talented players.
Key Player notes:
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Unimpressive numbers, but got little help from the defense, especially in matches against Canada and the United States, who capitalized on turnovers and quick transitions .. played well mostly throughout, except for an off night against the Czech Republic .. excellent skater with top-notch agility .. penchant for difficulties handling shots from the blueline .. gives up big, meaty rebounds, which is an Achilles heel .. adequate stickhandling, which will need further polishing .. a gamer night-in and night-out.
U18 WC Totals (5 GP, 2-3-0, 3.40, 1 SO, .871)
Oscar Hedman, D
Solidified his draft ranking with an impressive tournament, amassing three goals in six games (tops among rearguards) .. displayed a wide range of skills .. plays a brainy defensive game and is willing to join the offensive rush frequently .. jumped in several times testing the opposing goalie with a crisp, low point shot .. an above-average, but not elusive skater .. needs to improve his slap shot, which lacks the quick release of his wrister; rarely relies on the slapper.
U18 WC Totals (6-3-1-4-0 -1)
His season ended on a wane, after a pretty solid start .. showing a lack of assertiveness this spring and at this tournament .. arrived at the tourney after a hectic playoff campaign with the Frolunda U-20 and U-18 teams .. very mistake prone .. most glaring errors were on the PP against the United States, which contributed to Sweden’s demise .. raw talent is there, including a sharp passing game.
U18 WC Totals (6-1-1-2-10 +1)
Fred Wikner, LW
Biggest surprise for the Swedes, winding up as one of the country’s top offensive contributors .. solid at both ends of the ice .. very good work ethic .. main strength lies in his ability to combine skill and toughness .. showed his two-way prowess versus Slovakia, mixing impressive stick handling skills with powerful open ice hits .. good speed, above-average strength on the puck .. surprising vision and adequate understanding of the game .. stock is on the rise.
U18 WC Totals (6-0-4-4-12 +1)
Jesper Andersson, C/LW/RW
Ultimate utility player .. played on each of Sweden’s lines and at every forward position .. great energy, played with effectiveness near the net; amassed two goals, but should have had more .. reads the game very well and positions himself effectively at both ends .. all-around skilled with no glaring weaknesses .. the downside is his lack of top caliber skills.
U18 WC Totals (6-2-0-2-0 -1)
Oscar Sundh, RW
Named Sweden’s top forward, which was a somewhat questionable decision .. good size and a very fluid skater .. needs to improve his upper body strength in order to play stronger on the puck .. got manhandled too many times near the net, which should not happen .. plays on the periphery too much; must attack the net with increased vigor.
U18 WC Totals (6-0-2-2-0 0)
Disappointed big time, but battled minor injuries throughout .. rearguard has a good frame, which requires greater bulk .. possesses a booming blast from the point .. lateral movement has been a problem .. straight-away speed is good .. above-average playmaking abilities .. too often hesitant to utilize his shots from the point .. has a tendency to make erratic decisions with the puck in his own end .. maturity and poise are currently question marks .. stock is falling.
U18 WC Totals (5-0-0-0-8 -2)
Fredrik Naslund, RW
Maybe the biggest disappointment of the tournament .. the upside he previously flashed did not show here .. a physically endowed forward is like a poor man’s Sundin when on his game, but looked like a deer in the headlights in this tournament .. doesn’t use his body fully; checks weren’t completed .. seems to avoid physical contact .. shooting skills appeared to be surprisingly below-average and skating lacked quickness and balance .. his excellent stickhandling abilities had raised some eyebrows throughout the year, but at closer inspection; he looks like a tease and not much more at the point.
U18 WC Totals (6-0-1-1-4 -3)