Hedman, who was voted the Rookie-of-the-Year in the Swedish Elite season after scoring 21 points for Modo, is a well-rounded player who will be compared to Chris Pronger who was selected after Brendan Shanahan in another famous case of “who do you pick first, the forward or the defender”?
“I like to play a good two-way game. I like to join offensive rushes, but I know I’m a defenseman so I have a responsibility in my own zone,” said Hedman. “I like to play good offense and defense. I think that’s my style of game, a good two-way game.”
The scouts agree with Hedman and point out he can control a good portion of the game due to his steady play.
“For being that young, he’s very mature, and he’s big, but moves like a smaller guy. Very mobile, and his puck sense is excellent,” said NHL European Director of Scouting Goran Stubb. “Hedman is dominating the game, playing on the first defense pair on MODO. He’s playing around 20 minutes per game.”
Analysis; Due to the Islanders needing to generate fan interest the Tampa Bay Lightning may have been able to draft the best player in this year’s draft. The Lightning need defenseman and it would be no surprise to see Hedman on their top pairing next year.
Contact tom.schettino@prohockeynews.com
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