Swedish Hockey League to VHL Top 5 Prospect Comparisons

[Bobo 470]

Draft Class Comparisons: SHL to VHL, 2021 NHL/VHL Entry Draft: Top 5

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1: William Eklund, Djurgårdens IF

 

Over the 2020-21 Swedish Hockey League (SHL) season, Djurgårdens IF centerman/left winger William Eklund has made quite the impact on his team, putting up an impressive 11 goals and 23 points in 40 games. Since he is 18 years old, 23 points is remarkable in a league with grown men playing against him. His incredible hockey sense, nose for net, and hard wrist shot makes him deadly in the offensive zone. He can work anywhere on the ice, and score from anywhere too. His best quality has to be his shot; it can overpower goalies easily, and fool the defense. His creativity also plays a major factor in his play. He can create plays, finish plays, and undress the defense. He does need some work in the defensive end, but his offensive skill and skating prowess makes up for his liability. He’s ranked from sixth to third for many scouts, and will most likely fall in the top five in this year’s draft. A player comparison to him in the Victory Hockey League is Luc Tessier of the San Diego Marlins. Tessier is an amazing offensive player, with a great shot and goal scoring talent. He can move the puck up the ice and start up the rush. His defensive play is a bit of a liability, but his offensive and skating skills make up for it. Tessier has 37 goals and 78 points in 72 total games played for the Marlins this season, and is ranked fifth overall in the draft currently. Similar rankings and play to Eklund. 

 

2: Simon Edvinsson, Frölunda HC

 

Over his 10 game stint in the SHL, Frölunda HC left shot defenseman Simon Edvinsson put up one assist, and then was loaned to Västerås IK of HockeyAllsvenskan, where he put up five assists in 14 games played. According to many scouts, he is a very offensive and defensive skilled player, with the ability to begin the rush, and cleanly move the puck into the offensive zone. Scouts have described his defensive play as “strong” and “technically skilled.” When watching his highlights, you immediately see how strong his slap shot is. You also see how he doesn’t stay on the point while attacking; he fights for the puck down low behind the net. He makes hard and efficient passes, and rarely gives up the puck. He plays confidently and smartly, that’s why he’s so highly ranked in the draft. He’s mainly ranked around #8-9 by most scouts. From what I’ve seen from him, his VHL player comparison will be Tui Sova from the Mexico City Kings. Sova’s offensive and defensive zone play makes him the most similar to Edvinsson, since Sova has 180 shots blocked and 250 shots this season. Both players utilize their size in their play, as both use their body in the defensive end to shut down and create plays for their team. Edvinsson is 6’5” and Sova is 6’3”. Similar sizes, similar play, similar rank (Sova is ranked #7 in the VHL entry draft). 

 

3: Fabian Lysell, Luleå HF

 

During his 26 game stint in the SHL for Luleå HF, right winger Fabian Lysell scored two goals and three points. Scouts rave over his high level play, and elite release, while creating plays at an elite level too. A scout from Sweden, Anders Eriksen stated that Lysell was a, “Highly skilled forward with impressive technical skills and an amazing release. Scores a lot of goals and is a loyal team player.” That best sums up his play on paper. But when you watch the highlights, you see more in the Swedish sniper. He likes to get in front of the net and create a screen, he hustles towards the puck and never shies away from the play, and he creates and finishes plays very well. He is the true complete package. His best VHL player comparable is probably Alex Johnston from the Yukon Rush. Johnston is ranked 13th overall in the VHL, while Lysell is ranked 10th overall in the NHL, but both play a similar game. They can both play and shoot the puck well, play a physical game when needed, and play well in their zone and start up the rush. A player that any team wants. Johnston put up 24 goals and 50 points for the Rush. Very similar play, elite skill. Both players have bright futures. 

 

4: Oskar Olausson, HV71

 

While playing for the SHL’s HV71 in the 20-21 season, left/right wing Oskar Olausson put up an impressive three goals and four points in 16 regular season games. He was later loaned to the HockeyAllsvenskan team Södertälje for the remainder of the season, where he put up even better numbers with three goals and six points in 11 regular season games. Olausson’s play in the offensive zone of the ice gives him an advantage over others on this list, but his defensive play is a concern. When watching his highlights on HV71, he skates very smoothly and can begin the attack very well. He handles the puck with confidence and skill, and stays with the puck even when he has fallen down. He plays a TJ Oshie style of game as an 18 year old against men. His hard shot complements his playmaking ability. A very well rounded player offensively. He is ranked from #12-19 by many, and I see him going at around 17. Any team that gets him will be getting a player who can make the jump within two years maximum. A player comparable in the VHL to Olausson would be Jaromir Lemiuex from the Yukon Rush. Being another Rush prospect I’ve listed, Lemiuex’s play speaks for itself. 16 goals and 64 points in 72 games this season, 209 shots, but only 31 shots blocked. Like Olausson, his defensive play needs some work, but his offensive play and production is his bright spot. He can be physical at times, and he plays with a certain grit and passion. I cannot wait to see what happens to both prospects at their respect drafts.

 

5: Anton Olsson, Malmö Redhawks

 

During a 39 game stint with the SHL’s Malmö Redhawks, left shot defenseman Anton Olsson scored four points, all of which were assists. Many scouts have ranked Olsson in the second round, around #36, but I believe he can go higher, around #28-30. His play in the offensive zone with his hands and shot establishes his ability to score and create plays, while also being able to shut down the opposition. Olsson’s highlights prove these points, while also showing his physical side. His ability to think on the fly and start the rush is also good, not elite. I would compare him to Tynan Sylvester from the Mississauga Hounds. Now, while they aren’t similar in their draft rankings, their play styles are quite similar. Sylvester put up two goals and 13 points in 72 regular season games for the Hounds this season, and 32 hits. He can play the puck well, and utilize his shot to score goals occasionally. He can be physical when he needs to be, and he can play defense quite well, and his 50 shots blocked further proves my point. His skating and size is similar to Olsson’s 6’0” frame (Sylvester is 6’2”). Similar skill, similar play style, but not so similar rankings. Both players do have bright futures, and will be ready for the pros within a span of three years. 

 

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Edited April 28, 2021 by Bobo

[Banackock 7,754]

Not the real SHL

[Bobo 470]

1 minute ago, Banackock said:

Not the real SHL

the real SHL, the one in sweden, yes

[mediocrepony 1,216]

5 minutes ago, Bobo said:

the real SHL, the one in sweden, yes

yeah i thought you were talking about the simulation hockey league  great article tho

Edited April 28, 2021 by GrittyIsKing09

[Zetterberg 862]

Unintentional click bait 

[v.2 1,275]

Dope article!