Joachim Bryngelson Scouting Report

[tcookie 927]

Joachim Bryngelson
Centre | Karlstad, Sweden | 6’2” | 195 lbs

 

 

Overview
Bryngelson is a tremendously gifted skater and playmaker who’s game relies on using his strengths to create open ice and getting the puck to players who are equipped to take advantage of it. His hands are good but his shot and overall offensive packages does leave a lot to be desired. He has plenty of experience penalty killing and uses his speed to pressure the powerplay into making mistakes and generate the occasional shorthanded opportunity.

 

He started hockey late so he’s always been a bit raw growing up but that skating has given him an advantage that has always been there for him and has allowed him to carve out a role every step of the way. He’s found his way for a Farjestad program that is traditionally strong. While he remains a project and is raw, what we have here is a solid energy player that flies around, has the ability to create for his teammates, play in many different roles for a team, and potentially has some offensive upside that can be tapped into. Is he a VHL player in the end? That may take a couple of seasons to find out.

 

Pros
Skating - It’s his calling card and boy, is he something to watch. You can see the figure skating and speed skating background because he gets going in the blink of an eye and there are few players in his age class in the world that can keep up with him. He uses his edges well, he can change speeds and directions on a dime and it’s just a miserable time for anyone trying to defend him in open ice.

 

Passing - Bryngelson sees the ice well and has an uncanny ability to deliver good, receivable passes with the right amount of touch. That pairs up well with his skating as it makes him really good at generating room for his teammates. If he’s paired with a good scorer or two, rest assured they will be getting their opportunities.

 

Two-Way Play - The skating has always made him a natural choice on the penalty kill and playing in defensive situations that often has really developed his ability to anticipate. He reads the play well, has an active stick, and is really good at getting into a puck carrier’s face, creating pressure and forcing mistakes.

 

Cons
Shooting - It’s more a matter of trust than having a poor shot, but Bryngelson has an over-reliance on his teammates and doesn’t like to shoot the puck. Being a latecomer into the game of hockey there’s always been a sense that his teammates are a little more advanced at the game than he is and right from the beginning he’s had a tendency to defer to them that hasn’t gone away. His shot is OK, but you’d like to see him use it more and improve it, too.

 

Physicality - Make no mistake, he doesn’t like contact or going in the greasy areas. He’s at his best when he can fly around on the ice and use that speed and he doesn’t like getting into traffic. He doesn’t respond well to taking hits, he wants to stay out of those areas and if you’re coaching him, you know you need to get him to just get a little more involved physically if you want to get the most out of him.

 

Puck Skills - It’s not necessarily a con - Bryngelson has good hands - but it’s a shame that they’re only good and not great. If he could handle the puck better at top speed he’d be a truly special player and it would surely help the problems he’s had with finishing. As it is, he creates a lot of chances with that speed that just leave you wanting something more.