NEW YORK – With an improving young core of players led by John Tavares, Matt Moulson, Frans Nielsen, Michael Grabner and Kyle Okposo, the New York Islanders might be a couple of free-agent signings away from a playoff spot.
their second-half turnaround in 2010-2011 was hindered by a lack of depth on the blueline that needs to be addressed in the draft. That’s why the team should lay hands on Swedish import Adam Larsson, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound blueliner who patterns his game after Nicklas Lindstrom and is the top-rated international player in the draft.
The 18-year-old coped with shoulder and groin injuries last season while competing as one of the youngest players in Sweden’s top league, the Elitserien. He also finished as the top-scoring defenseman at the 2011 World Junior Championships. Sometimes compared to countryman Victor Hedman, the second-overall pick in the 2009 Entry Draft, now with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Larsson is judged to be more skilled with the puck and maybe ahead of where Hedman was at this stage in his career, according to several NHL scouts.
“Adam has everything you need to be a professional in the NHL,” said Swedish National Team coach Roger Ronnberg. “The smartness and skills that this kid has makes him one of the top players in the world. He plays really mature. Sometimes you feel he’s 35 years old.”
Larsson posted 8 assists, 9 points and 41 penalty minutes last year playing 37 games for Skellefea AIK. Once regarded as a consensus top-two pick, he slid down the list a bit but still has the tools to be a dynamic two-way defenseman. One could see him learning quickly from Mark Streit, another mobile but conscientious blueliner who’s emerged as one of the Islanders’ best assets.
It’s possible the Islanders will be content with their collection of prospects and trade the fifth pick for an established player. But the upside of watching Larsson develop with the likes of Calvin deHaan to anchor the blueline for years will be too enticing. And the solid crop of young forwards will allow fans to forgive the front office for bypassing another stud forward. That’s why we expect to hear the team announce:
“With the fifth pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders are proud to select, from Skellefea of the Swedish Elite League, Adam Larsson.”
To learn more about Adam Larsson click here.
Comment@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.