Wings Nation First Round Targets: Elias Pettersson
By David Law
6 years agoHailing from Ange, Sweden Elias Pettersson is a tall speedy centre who seems destined to be an NHL star. Pettersson played this past season with Timra in the Swedish second tier league. This is a high end league with players significantly older than the 18-year-old Pettersson. He finished the year second on his team in scoring and with the most assists of any junior age player in his league. He produced at almost a point-per-game pace against tough competition and looks like he should be able to produce at any level. Weighing in at a slim 161 lbs on a 6’2” frame he could stand to gain some weight, but his speed and skill have allowed him to keep up with much bigger, older players thus far.
NHL CS RANKINGS
Pettersson is projected at 2nd among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
THE STATS
(Stats courtesy of EliteProspects)
We can see that Pettersson has played in the Timra system since his 2013/14 season as is common with European players who choose to stay in their home leagues. He has excelled every year and has often played up a level with older players, which will only help prepare him for life in the NHL. This past year was easily his most impressive with his scoring pace, assist total, and even plus/minus showing high totals. Not only this but he remained with the main club for the entire season.
THE EYE TEST
NHL Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb says this over at NHL CS:
“A FAST, SPEEDY STAR, HE HAD A SENSATIONAL SEASON FOR TIMRA IN SWEDEN’S SECOND DIVISION, CONSISTENTLY PRODUCING OFFENSE DESPITE THE FACT HE’S PLAYING WITH AND AGAINST MUCH OLDER PLAYERS.”
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DOES HE FIT IN WITH THE RED WINGS?
Absolutely yes. Pettersson is a fast, talented centre with top-level talent. The Wings are in need of a top-line centre and Pettersson projects to be exactly that. He needs to put on some pounds but that hasn’t stopped him from producing against older players in a talented Swedish league. Pettersson is exactly what the Wings need and if he falls to them at 9 he would be a steal. Plus… he compares his game to Pavel Datsyuk. What’s not to love?
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