SWE: Backstrom Emerges

Nicklas Backstrom has broken out as the top Swedish 2006 NHL Entry draft eligible player and a top-10 consideration. Already a staple with Brynas of the Swedish Elite League, Backstrom is a potentially dominating offensive talent. We have notes on the amazing pivot, as well as additional insight on Anze Kopitar, Mattias Ritola and more.

Nicklas Backstrom (2006), C, Brynas

Has grown significantly over the summer; taller and has bulked up his frame .. looks like a man playing a man's game .. displays tremendous maturity on the ice, always knowing what to do on the ice and rarely out of position .. proactive and demands the puck to take charge of offensive plays .. incredible hands and smoothly runs the power play at the highest level in Sweden already .. creative with excellent stickhandling abilities .. skating is a tad above-average; he has quickness and improved lower body strength which has given him a strong stride to get to pucks effectively.

Robin Lindqvist (2006), C/LW, Lulea

U18 team captain was not expected to make the senior Lulea team this season, but outhustled several other juniors for a spot in preseason .. very smart player; no false moves defensively, excellent work ethic and desire to win .. improved foot speed and overall strength, due to workouts in the summer .. physically very much prepared to play against men .. deceptive offensive abilities; showing untapped imagination, though remains primarily an honest, non-flashy player .. has improved on every shift in the SEL so far.

Anze Kopitar (LA), C, Sodertalje

There were doubts as to whether conservative coach Ulf Taavola would trust the young Kopitar to a key offensive role right away, but this Slovenian stallion earned the staff's respect in no time .. shows improved skating and strength .. looks very comfortable adjusting to the pace of the SEL .. stickhandling skills are spectacular; amongst the best in the league .. very poised and imaginative with sound defensive play and competitiveness .. consistently dangerous when on the ice and is impressively unselfish, making teammates around him better .. will likely be ready for the NHL next season.

Magnus Isaksson (2006), C, Lulea

Lacks strength and size but finds ways to come out of traffic with the puck on the blade .. surprised by making the team this year, as he overwhelmed the coaching staff with top notch hockey sense and creative touches .. plays on Lulea's checking (third) line, where he is head and shoulders above his wingers in terms of hockey sense and anticipation, and will eventually need a better environment to flurish offensively .. takes a lot of abuse, but has handled it with character so far .. has been deemed too small his whole career but always comes out smelling like roses due to his skating, creativity and instinctiveness.

Mattias Ritola (Det), LW, Leksand

Stuck around with Leksand after exhibiting hard work and improved strength and skating in pre-season .. showing a desire to win so far this season, something that seemed to be missing at times in junior .. one of the few bright spots on the team in opening night loss to Brynas .. creative glimpses with the puck, fine stickhandling skills, won battles along the boards and gave his team much-needed energy by moving his feet and getting involved .. if consistency remains, the upside is considerable.