Gunnar Odinsson
Place of Birth: Oslo, Norway
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 205 lbs
Position: Defenseman
VHL Draft Eligibility: S76
VSN Scouting Rank (NOV): 9th
Gunnar Odinsson has already proved to be unreliable this season, disappointing many.
After being drafted at number 37 in the season 75 VHLM draft by the San Diego Marlins, Gunnar Odinsson has experienced somewhat of a slow start to his minor league career. He was hyped by some of the VHL media upon his declaration for the VHLM draft, yet recently the scouting world has been somewhat critical of his play causing him to be dubbed a “faller”. As the year unfolds, it's becoming easier to find quotes by scouts stating that "Odinsson is not worthy of a top 20 selection" or some other statement with a similar theme.
The biggest knock against Odinsson is that his work ethic is wildly inconsistent, displaying bouts of poor effort often appearing invisible. However, Gunnar's technical puck possession style of play contributes to the illusion that he is not putting forth maximum effort. This particular style of play can often make Gunnar appear lazy at times as he doesn't need to display maximum effort ,but he does have an impressive understanding of the ice and it’s surroundings to control the pace of the game. He is capable of utilizing this extra time to make elite-level reads and to make the intelligent play. Also contributing to the perceived lack of effort issues is his skating style, often appearing almost effortless as if he’s coasting from end to end.
You will not catch Odinsson flying down the ice at top speed and beating the opposing defensemen one-on-one too often. On the other hand, it is more conducive to his game to see the big Norwegian making a crisp defensive zone breakout pass to a teammate and support the Marlins more offensive minded players. He possesses strong edge work and overall he is an above-average skater that should translate well to the next level of competition. To defend Odinsson's work ethic would be inappropriate, as he does not exhibit the tireless work ethic that some of his draft peers do but he is more selective in when and where he applies himself.
Closing in on 205-pounds and skating at 6-foot-5, Odinsson already owns VHL size. While not overly physical in any zone, he utilizes his large frame well against the boards and boxes the opposition out, assisting him in his puck protection game. He would earn more time and space if he added more aggression to his game and engaged himself more consistently. He does not shy away from contact but rarely will one notice him initiating it.
Come draft day, consistency and work ethic issues will remain Odinssons issue, but it is hoped that most scouts at the VHL level will see the talent that lurks just beneath the surface. Currently ranked at #9 in the VSN Rankings, it would not be a shock to see Odinsson fall towards the end of the first round or even end up as a high second round pick, depending on team needs come draft day. It will indeed be interesting to see who takes a gamble on Gunnar, but for now we will leave you with some of the more positive reports from well paid informed VHL scouts.
Scouting Comments
Odinsson is a special kind of talent who scouts have been keeping an eye on for the last few years. He comes from an excellent hockey lineage and is an exceptionally gifted player who can control the flow of a hockey game seemingly at will with elite puck skills, vision, and overall hockey sense. He makes good defensive decisions and is the kind of player who is able to slow the game down to his pace rather than try to keep up with it. His ability as a playmaker is and he can make high-level reads quickly and effectively.
- Piotr Kowalski, Head Scout Warsaw.
With great vision and hockey IQ, Odinsson can fill the dual role of defensive rock and a playmaker as well, creating numerous opportunities for teammates. If coaches can work on his attitude towards hard work, only time will tell just how good he can be at the VHL level.
- Vladimir Boomchenko, Scouting Director and man of few words, Moscow.
Odinnson is a big player with underrated strength and can be difficult to move once he gets a head of steam. What separates him from other prospects is his ability to make terrific passes while looking off. He is capable of gaining additional real estate due to his excellent stickhandling ability, as his one-on-one moves and imagination with the puck are VHL calibre already.
- Koji Yamazaki, head of VHL alias scouting.
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