DOB: March 4 (18 Years Old)
Hometown: Ornskoldsvik, Sweden
Jersey Number: 21
5’11” 182lbs
Grade: A-
Potential: 8.5/10
(Nykvist on bottom left.)
Lukas never had a chance in the real world. As soon as he could walk his father Bjorn had him on skates and learning hockey in his backyard teaching him all he could about the game we all know and love while his mom, Adela, would cheer on in support on the sidelines and teach him to be a born leader at heart. With the idols of the local professional ice hockey talent, (Naslund, Forsberg, Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and Victor Hedman to mention a few), Lukas has always dreamed of being a top professional player and join the heights of stardom as his idols did. He has had the opportunity to meet and learn from his idols when they returned from the big league in the summers and they showed him at a young age the determination and effort needed to become an all star. Nykvist took off in the minor leagues out-performing everyone. He could show his talents even at the young age of 9 and everyone knew he was going to be special. And special he will be.
Evaluation:
Nykvist has exceptional skating and offensive talents. Each game in and out he shows up and you can rely on him to put up a few points on the board. His wrist shot release is lightning quick and his accuracy could shoot wherever he wants when he wants. Nykvist’s face-off’s are incomparable. His ability to control the play and open things up to create opportunities is similar to the Great One. Bottom line; he is a force to be reckoned with nigh in and night out.
Luaks’ defensive capabilities are somewhat lacking. He is strong on the puck but can be out of place at times and can read the play the wrong way. He can give take hits and position himself good on his man but he will need to increase his stick checking ability and his desire to get the job done in his own teams zone. The scouts would say it is something to shy some teams away but in all reality this kid has room to grow and become a solid defensive player. It wouldn’t be one to worry much about his downsides.
Stats (Swedish Hockey League):
SEASON TEAM GP G A PTS +/-
2011-12 MODO 32 24 13 37 +11
2012-13 MODO 39 30 21 51 +19
2013-14 MODO 41 36 24 60 +29
He wasn’t known well worldwide until his amazing numbers in his years with MODO. His point totals seen above have broken records and shown that even at a young age entering a big boys league, he can perform at a considerable rate. In his final season with MODO, he produced an astonishing 36 goals in only 41 games with a total of 60 points and a plus 29 rating. He was the top leader in the league by a long shot. Without doubt, he has caught the eyes of hockey fans everywhere.
There is no doubt that all eyes will be on this youngster when he steps up to the plate in the VHLM for the remainder of the season as he will be draft eligible for the next VHL season. Expect to see Nykvist in the top picks at the upcoming draft.
First and foremost I would like to thank the Yukon Rush for giving me the opportunity to join their organization at such a late time in the season. I am very excited to get this chance and I promise to all the fans I will be the best player I can be here. This team is already doing well I hope to contribute to the success and make this a season to remember. I have thought nothing short of winning the championship. This is my goal, and the teams goal. As we roll forward I will be playing on the wing. This gives me an opportunity to focus on my offensive skill and scoring more than my usual centre roll but I am very confident I will have an impact to this club. I would quickly like to thank everyone who has helped me on my way here and especially to my parents.
Once again, thank you to the Yukon Rush and I look forward to be skating as soon as possible.