Jacob Olofsson is a Swedish centreman who currently plays for Timra IK in the Swedish Hockey League. Though only 18-years-old, Olofsson has put up decent numbers playing with men. He’s also represented his country multiple times at International tournaments.

We know the Wings love their Swedes – could Jacob Olofsson be the next one to wear a Wings jersey?

Projected to go 9th overall among European skaters.

Olofsson seems to get in on every international tournament that he can, which is a good thing. It gets the attention of North American scouts and makes it easier for them to watch you. Even though Olofsson’s point totals aren’t insanely high, scoring isn’t his bread and butter (as you’ll see below). It also helps that he was in a position of leadership on most of these teams and experienced some levels of success, winning bronze at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial.

In the Swedish league, Olofsson’s 21 points in 43 games helped him and his team qualify for SHL league play. Olofsson is not a leading scorer on this team, but adds important depth scoring, both at 5-on-5 and the powerplay.

Olofsson is a safe player. Not often does he get creative or take risks. This isn’t a bad thing, though. He’s a good skater and he’s strong on the puck. He’s got great on-ice awareness so that he’s always able to find his teammates, whether it’s on a breakout or cycling down in the offensive zone.

He spent a lot of time on the powerplay in Sweden and put his passing on display there. He’d often pass it to open ice, anticipating where his teammates would be. He’s definitely more of a playmaker than a scorer, though he’s got a good release on his shot.

As for his defensive game, Olofsson is smart positionally. Just as he sees open passing lanes in the offensive zone, he takes away passing lanes in the defensive zone. He plays a strong two-way game and is quick on the transition.

Even though Olofsson is a centre, which is a definite need for the Red Wings, he doesn’t have that elite scoring touch that the team is missing. He’ll likely be a bottom-6 centre and Detroit has a plethora of those coming down the pipeline. He’s a great playmaker, but we’ve got out playmaker in Dylan Larkin. The Wings need someone who can finish and I don’t see Olofsson doing that at an elite level.

He’ll be a great player, just not one the Wings need.