Jamtin and Nordqvist break through

In the shadows of blue chip prospects that dominate the headlines and challenge for NHL duties soon after draft time, there are the darkhorses that do not blossom until their early twenties.

Detroit Red Wings’ virtuoso Pavel Datsyuk may have shifted the scouting eye slightly away from teenage prospects – overage draft picks have become common, while it has not been out of the ordinary for teams to wait five to seven years for their youngsters to reach a respectable pro peak.

The Swedish Elite League has been home to two such prospects in Andreas Jamtin and Jonas Nordqvist. Although both had their share of pro experience prior to the 2003/2004 campaign, they failed to make an impression, as the struggling former junior stars were unable to adjust to play against men. Instead of instant stardom in the SEL, learning years in the Swedish 2nd league dominated their time – two for Nordqvist and one for Jamtin.

Jamtin’s struggles were largely related to his off-ice behaviour – his capricious nature and alleged drinking problems got him kicked out of Farjestad when he was only 18. Despite the bad boy image, HV 71 surprised many when they took a chance on Jamtin, picking up the 20-year old’s rights for the 2003/2004 season. A championship contender, HV 71 boasted excellent depth and it was expected that Jamtin, Detroit’s fourth round pick in 2001, would have a fight ahead of him for respectable minutes.

What many did not take into consideration is that HV 71 was headed by one of Sweden’s savviest coaches in Per Marts, who was anxious to develop Jamtin on his own terms. Marts utilized Jamtin’s attitude smartly – providing him with the role of a physical distuber, reminiscent of Darren McCarty. The youngster began to use his natural energy, physicality and good skating skills to the outmost, agitating and getting under the skin of opponents night in and night out. Due to his set of skills, Jamtin was never relegated below third-line duties and his style made him an instant favorite among fans.

His season ended on a perfect note and Jamtin was instrumental in aiding HV 71 to their second Swedish Championship in nine years.

Nordqvist quicker, better

While Jamtin fought against blending in on a strong team, Chicago Blackhawks’ 2000 second rounder Jonas Nordqvist faced a different challenge.

Known as a slacker, Nordqvist had a terrible reputation going into the season and Lulea’s faithful were not entirely thrilled when he was acquired before the 2003/2004 season. Fans and the media lobbied for an older, more established player and Nordqvist’s weaknesses such as his poor skating, lack of physical involvement and penchant for invisibility were dissected by the media during pre-season. But as soon as the puck dropped to begin the regular season, Nordqvist changed literally overnight.

No longer did he look like a frightened little boy; in fact, the little boy seemed to have grown into a dependable veteran who was suddenly used in all situations for Lulea.

Skating skills that were ridiculously slow became adequate, while Nordqvist’s hockey sense and a keen playmaking eye was enough to make people forget of his earlier struggles.

"I’m good at scoring, bad at shooting", Nordquist said about his skills early in the season.

And while he does not give many goalies nightmares with his wind-up, Nordqvist dekes and maneuvers his way to an ample share of scoring opportunities. Good enough to get the job done.

While both Nordqvist and Jamtin have experienced their share of adversity in their young careers, ultimately they showed the willingness to learn from their mistakes by listening to their coaches and mature mentally. At this rate, do not be surprised if they challenge for NHL jobs in the near future.