Detroit Red Wings draft forward Theodor Niederback 51st overall
By Zach Laing
3 years agoThe Detroit Red Wings have drafted Swedish forward Theodor Niederbach 51st overall.
Detroit had traded down from 45th overall to acquire the 51st overall pick as well as the 91st overall pick.
Niederbach, who stands at 5’11, 172 lbs., plays in the Frölunda HC system and scored 15 goals and 48 points in 40 games with the J20 SuperElit team last year. Niederbach plays in the same system as fourth overall pick Lucas Raymond, who the Red Wings drafted yesterday.
This year, Niederbach has appeared in nine games for the J20 Nationell team scoring three goals and 15 points.
Here’s what scouts have to say about Niederbach:
He maintains a detailed mental map of the ice that allows quick decisions and a heightened read on incoming pressure. Defensively, he maintains an above-the-puck posture and suffocates opposition puck-carriers. He’s so dialed in off the puck, capable of making the right reads and knowing when he can switch from his man and give his teammate support. – EliteProspectsHis numbers may not jump off the page but considering his past season and the fact he spent most of the season on the third line, they are very impressive. He’s a high-end thinker of the game who can create offense out of nothing. – DobberProspectsWhen Niederbach is looking to make plays and layering fakes and deception into his game, he can shed past defenders and function as a primary carrier. I love his willingness to try again when his carry doesn’t work the full time and the way he uses his vision to pull the opposing players away from his intended line. – Scott Wheeler, The Athletic
On Twitter: @zjlaing
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