By Daniel Chan -
The draft, hands down, is the best time of the hockey season. Maybe I'm just saying that because the Wild haven't been seen post-season action since 2008, but that is besides the point.
So, on June 22nd-23rd, we will all sit down in front of the television/computer and watch the draft. But if you are wondering, "who's who", then you haven't been reading HW because thats my job.
So without further ado:
Introducing our 2012 NHL #19 Draft Prospect - Pontus Aberg
Accomplishments & Awards:
Prospect Jersey (What Would They Look Like In a Wild Jersey?)
Summarized Scouting Report
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
HW Projection:
Video Evidence:
Where Does He Fit In The Wild?
He fits perfectly with the Wild. He has some great offensive skills, is a Swede, and has been playing in the men's league and doing quite well. All things the Wild like.
But at #7, I think there are better choices.
Conclusion
Started the year on fire, and then started to cool off. Still, he managed to do very well in his first year in the men's league, being a nominee for Rookie of the Year (along with Wild's Johan Gustafsson, and finally losing to Johan Larsson).
Sweden is pumping out some serious talent, and Aberg is a product of that awesomeness. He's a great skater with a dangerous scoring touch. He plays hard, tough, and is reliable in all three zones. Skill-wise, he doesn't have any flaws.
The problem is more about his size and his consistency. He doesn't possess a large frame and that raises concern if he can survive the rigors of NHL play. In addition, his cold second half of the season have some wondering if his hot start was just a fluke. Aberg didn't have a chance to show that it wasn't during the WJC because he was injured in the exhibition games.
Aberg doesn't have the physical tools to be a big contributor on the bottom two lines in the NHL, so he will have to bulk up and refine his game if he wants to be a top six forward. Because its either that, or bust.
Special thanks to HFBoards, Future Considerations, The Hockey Writers, TSN, OHLProspeccts and The Scouting Repor
Think you could write a story like this? Hockey Wilderness wants you to develop your voice, find an audience, and we'll pay you to do it. Just fill out this form.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.