Sweden Prospect Update
Henrik Zetterberg
NHL Rights: Detroit Red Wings
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Center, 6-0, 185 lbs.
2001-02: 44GP, 9-21-30, -13, 30 PIM
Despite not even being among the top 25 scorers in the Elitserien, the 21-year-old
Zetterberg was chosen ahead of players such as Kristian Huselius, Fredrik Modin
and Jonas Hoglund for the Swedish Olympic squad. Zetterberg, or 'Z' as he called,
is considered a more versatile player and therefore better suited to fill a
utility role on the club. He can play all three forward positions and will no
doubt relish the opportunity to soak up the Olympic atmosphere after suffering
through a tough season with his hometown team, Timra, who currently sit last
in the league.
He has picked up his play since Christmas and become more of an offensive force
after a miserable start which saw him go through lengthy droughts. Zetterberg
has incredible hockey sense and an on-ice awareness that is reserved for only
very talented players. His stickhandling and passing are excellent and he is
also a very good skater. On the downside, his shot needs improvement and he
also has to add a few extra pounds to survive the NHL. His physical play is
limited to his ability to take a hit, which is something that is still difficult
to rate.
If Timra should be demoted in the spring, there is little doubt that he will
cross the Atlantic to play for the Red Wings. Zetterberg will be an interesting
player to follow, as he is perhaps the most exciting Swedish center to arrive
since Peter Forsberg. Although it's unlikely that he will develop into an NHL
superstar like Forsberg, he does have a chance to be a very good player.
Rickard
Wallin
NHL Rights: Minnesota Wild
Center-Winger, 6-3, 195 lbs.
2001-02: 46GP, 10-29-39, +21, 50 PIM
Wallin, who was acquired by the Wild in exchange for veteran Joe Juneau, is
probably the most pleasant surprise among the young players in the Elitserien
this season. Wallin enjoyed a breakthrough during last year's playoffs in which
he scored 11 goals in 16 games and has proven that it was no fluke, as he currently
sits at sixth in league scoring. There has been talk in Sweden that the 21-year-old
will soon be offered a contract by the Wild.
Tall and every bit as thin as Kristian Huselius was in his early days in Sweden,
Wallin possesses a wide range of offensive skills. His forte is his hockey sense
and creative instincts, followed by his passing. He can also score goals, but
his future lies more as that of a playmaker. His defense and physical play have
improved from last year, but he is an offensive player who needs to be cast
on a scoring line.
Christian
Backman
NHL Rights: St. Louis Blues
Defenseman, 6-3, 205 lbs.
2001-02: 40GP, 7-3-10, +7, 30 PIM
The former first-round pick is not ready to be labeled a bust just yet. After
having trouble cracking the lineup of Gothenburg powerhouse Frolunda, Backman
has commanded a regular spot for most of this season as his game has matured.
He'll likely never turn into the offensive weapon that the Blues had envisioned
when they took him 24th overall in the 1998 draft, however, he could still develop
into a solid National Hockey League defenseman.
Backman has shown a willingness to use his sizeable frame to punish opponents
along the boards, but not consistently. As is often the case with young defensemen,
he also has a tendency of losing coverage in the defensive zone. This should
correct itself as he gains more experience. Backman has a good chance of reaching
the NHL. This is just his first full season as a regular in the Elitserien,
so it will be interesting to see if he can sustain his growth. Realistically,
he is still at least two years away from challenging for a spot with the Blues.
Kim
Staal
NHL Rights: Montreal Canadiens
Center, 6-0, 195 lbs.
2001-02: 36GP, 13-23-36, +12, 16 PIM
Danish center Kim Staal's rise to respectability has been slow but steady.
Prior to this season, in a surprising move, Staal left the Malmo Redhawks, where
he spent seven years, to join MoDo. Selected 92nd overall in the 1996 NHL Draft,
Stall broke out with 14 goals during the 1999-00 season and followed it up with
career highs last season (48-16-15-31).
Despite his success with Malmo, the reliable center nevertheless felt he needed
a change of scenery. The lure of playing for former Danish national team coach
Jim Brithen also had something to do with his decision. MoDo has enjoyed a terrific
season in the Elitserien and the 23-year-old has been a key player with a career-high
23 assists in 46 games so far.
Equipped with a right-handed shot and a big heart, Staal could draw interest
from the Canadiens' organization this coming summer. Although not exceptional
in any one area, Staal doesn't have any glaring weaknesses either, and has earned
a reputation as a player whose value is not limited to his on-ice performance.
Look for him to possibly challenge for a spot on Montreal's third or fourth
line next fall.