Albin Aldgard Prospect Scouting Report

[animal74 1,908]

 

Hometown: Ostervala, Sweden 

HT: 5’ 10”

WT: 182 lbs.

Drafted: 4^th OV (S97), D.C. Dragons 

 

Since leaving his native Sweden to join the VHLM in North America, defenseman Albin Aldgard’s trajectory has been soaring to become one of the most exciting prospects due to make his VHL debut in S98. A smaller two-way player gifted with seemingly unlimited offensive instincts, Aldgard is still adjusting to the smaller ice surface but has been making good progress and finished his VHLM career as a Founder’s Cup champion with the Las Vegas Aces, leading the team in playoff goals with 9 in 16 games. He’s an adequate defender as well using his stick effectively to knock pucks away and his speed to gain body position.

 

SCOUTING REPORT

 

Hockey IQ: 4.5/5

Shot: 3.5/5

Puck Skills: 4/5

Competitiveness: 3.5/5

Skating: 4/5

 

PROS

 

Skating

Aldgard is a fluid skater that can change gears effortlessly and although he doesn’t possess elite top speed, his first few strides are powerful and create separation from the opposition and allow him to make plays. His east-west skating ability are one of the main reasons he’s so dangerous on the power play as he can glide along the blue line and open up space to look for the most effective plays.

 

Skill

Few players see the ice as well as this Swedish blueliner. He moves the puck multiple ways whether via a crisp first pass, eluding defenders as he bursts up the ice or dangling around them as he skates through the zone. He is a pure playmaker, carries the puck on a string and has a deceptive shot that’s not heavy but finds its way to the net through traffic. Knows when to join the rush. Is an adept power play quarterback and often picks apart penalty killing units to set up highlight reel dishes. Ran the VHLM’s top PP unit last season.

 

Clutch Performer

Routinely performed well in short, intense tournaments such as the JST or WJC. In the VHLM, scored at almost a point-per-game over two playoff stints (24 points in 25 games). Loves the big moment, often having brilliant performances when the team needs it most (as seen in his 2 G, 1 A, Game 5 in the S97 Founder’s Cup final)

 

CONS

 

Size

Definitely size has been an issue for Aldgard when matching up against bigger forwards. He has trouble getting pushed of the puck if larger players can match his speed. While he doesn’t shy away from contact, he doesn’t initiate much either.

 

Consistency

Like many young players, the grind of a whole season is hard to pace oneself and there have been games and occasionally short stretches of games where Aldgard is not noticeable on the ice. He needs to learn how to increase his conditioning so he can be at his peak every game.

 

Lack of Discipline

Can sometimes take lazy penalties. Partially due to his conditioning and the amount of ice time he gets, he’ll stop moving his feet and use his stick instead resulting in a penalty. Can also have a short temper and react to contact which can get him in trouble.

 

Overall, Aldgard is a top-notch prospect, projected first-pairing defenseman and power play specialist. If he can continue developing defensively and physically, he may just turn into one of the top defensemen in the league.