As we’ve stated before in this space, the Leafs spent extra time with some prospects after the combine, we’ll finish covering the ones we know they paid extra attention to for sure by talking about Lucas Pettersson.
Lucas Pettersson
Position: Centre
Shoot: Left
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 175lbs
Pettersson spent the majority of this year playing for Modo Jr. of Sweden’s Junior league. While there he score 27 goals and 57pts in 44 games while playing a solid two-way game and being trusted in all situations. Much like the other prospects the Leafs met with, his skating is a strong point, as he has good speed and agility. While his point totals were almost split between goals and assists this year, his playmaking is likely stronger than his shot. A lot of his goals come from shorter distances, where he shows a willingness to go to the blue paint to bang in rebounds and dig for goals. It’s that willingness to play hard in the dirtier areas of that ice that coaches love. He’s a very well rounded player that plays at a high pace who projects as a very good checking forward and great penalty killer at the very least. He’s the guy coaches turn to when seeking a centre that can shut down the other teams best, as he’s good on the draw and has a high IQ and good vision in all 3 zones. His ceiling is likely that of a 2C that, again, can be used in tough matchups and all situations.
Pettersson is obviously a player with a slight build. In order to battle at the NHL level he’ll need to bulk up. The expectation is for him to spend the entirely of next season at the SHL level, where playing against men will help him learn how to battle against bigger, stronger competition. Meanwhile, though his compete level is strong at time he’ll need to learn how to do it more often. If he can raise the intensity in his game from shift to shift it will go a long way towards him hitting his ceiling as a player.