David Edstrom
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’3’”
Weight: 185lbs
NHL Comparable: Zach Hyman
David Edstrom is anything but a flashy player. That’s not to say that he isn’t effective offensively, but that the way he produces is of the meat and potatoes, get to the net and stuff the puck home variety. He possesses a good shot and good passing ability, but lives around the net for rebounds and tips. He produced 15 goals and 28pts in 28 games in Sweden’s Jr. league this year, but also played in 11 SHL games, where he put up 2 goals and 4pts. Not bad for an 18 year old.
While Edstrom does bring solid offense to the table, it’s his defensive play that really stands out. He’s strong on the forecheck, wins battles along the walls, is a committed backchecker and will be relied upon shorthanded wherever he goes. He’d be the ideal defensive centre to pivot two offensive wingers, allowing them to play a little looser while knowing he’s there to cover for them. At the same time, it’s easy to envision him playing a 2nd or 3rd line checking role with tough matchups, as he has the skating ability to keep up to higher end competition and the defensive mind to help shut them down.