Simon Hjalmarsson*****
Country: Sweden
Position: Left Wing
League: J20 SuperElit
Team: Vastra Frolunda HC Indians
Height: 5'11''
Weight: 161
Shoots: Left
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Strengths: Hjalmarsson is a great finisher blessed with a lightning quick release and ability to fire a variety of shots with superb accuracy. He was a great compliment to playmaker Eller this past season, and really stood out with his nose for the net. Hjalmarsson had a great WJC U18 where he established himself on the international stage showing good speed, grit, and goal scoring instincts. He is okay defensively and has fine skating ability.
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Weaknesses: Hjalmarsson lacks a bit of size, strength, and dynamite to his skating. He doesn't have a separation gear, which may keep him from being a dominant offensive force. Although he is certainly not scared to go into danger zones on the ice, his size is worrisome and may limit him from consistently being a threat as he moves up the ranks.
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2006-2007 Regular Season Stats
2006-2007 Regular Season Stats
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41 games 31 goals 23 assists 54 points +12 91 PIM
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2007 WJC U18 Stats - Team Sweden
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6 games 4 goals 5 assists 9 points +8 4 PIM
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Draft Day Status/Projection: Put some more quality muscle on Simon's bones, and you have a potential gamechanger opponent's blueline in. His deadly array of shots and offensive instincts are definately intriguing, but he will need to continue to establish himself at a high level. DraftBuzz ranks Hjalmarsson in the top 25 and projects him to be drafted anywhere from 11-25.
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Draft Day Status/Projection: Put some more quality muscle on Simon's bones, and you have a potential gamechanger opponent's blueline in. His deadly array of shots and offensive instincts are definately intriguing, but he will need to continue to establish himself at a high level. DraftBuzz ranks Hjalmarsson in the top 25 and projects him to be drafted anywhere from 11-25.
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(photo courtesy of www.eurohockey.net)
2 comments:
At first glance, your prediction of having him picked between 11 and 25 seems a little bold, but when you think about it, as he gains strength in the next few years, he may be able to get that extra step needed to be really effective. Good call on your part.
Also, with the amount of Power play opportunity in the NHL these days, a Power play specialist becomes really practical for a team to have.
Hey Rick,
He is a guy you cannot help but think some teams may have him in their top five. The only question is which team(s)?
We think his first solid shot in the draft may come at pick 18 to Calgary.
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