NHL Draft 2012 Prospects: #27 Ludvig Bystrom

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 #27 Draft Prospect - Ludvig Bystrom

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 IS Swedish but is more defensive than he is offensive, so he doesn't exactly fit for a team dying for offense

Conclusion

Sweden has some serious talent coming these recent years, and this year is full of talent. I have Bystrom ranked 5th amongst Swedish draft eligibles and still have him in the first round. That is saying something.

Here's a player that has average height but good mobility, smart and very steady. Consistency is Bystrom's game and he does it very well. He plays a smart and safe game defensively with good positioning and an active stick. He skates quite well and has some decent hands to move the puck out of danger and transition to the offense.

There is no real flaw in his game besides a lack of offensive upside, which is still being explored. He does make a good breakout pass but lacks a shot from the blueline and does not have a dynamic offensive game to carry the offense. He plays very safe and because of that he is very steady and consistent, but some would like to see him take a bit of risk and chance to develop his offensive side.

If you are picking late in the first, Bystrom makes a very good pick because selecting a consistent talented blueliner is never a bad idea. He will have time developing his offensive game and to experiment a bit to see if he can become more than just a steady, defensive defenseman.

Special thanks to HFBoards, Future Considerations, The Hockey Writers, TSN, OHLProspeccts and The Scouting Repor