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)
