A silky smooth Swedish defenseman prospect. That statement is cliche in this draft as the Swedes are invading the NHL draft this year and especially the defenseman with the like of Victor Hedman, Oliver Ekman Larson, Tim Erixon and not to be left out is David Rundblad who all could be drafted in the 1st round this year.

Rundblad is a prospect that has already had the taste of playing with men in the Swedish Elite League just like another prospect I broke down in center Jacob Josefson. Both players didn't put up gaudy numbers like their Junior and High School counterparts did but are already a year ahead of them in transitioning to a man's game. Rundblad played 45 games this year in the Elite League and registered 10 assists.

Things that would make the Jackets write his name on the selection card are numerous. At 6'2" and 189 pounds, he has a frame with the ability to add more weight and strength. Now if he could add the physical part at the same time he is adding bulk, this kid could turn into a beast. That being said, the things that make GM's salivate over Rundblad is his offensive ability and the ability to carry the puck end to end. He has been compared to his favorite player in Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green. He has a very good right handed shot from the point and was even used on the power play in the Elite League.

"I try to play offense," Rundblad said. "I like to stickhandle and keep the puck; but I think I have defense in the (defensive) zone, too. But it is my offense that is No. 1," was what he stated to NHL.com. That statement might not ring well in the ears of defensive minded head coach Ken Hitchcock but it does with me.

As I have stated before, I really think that the Jackets need to take a center in the 1st round but if there isn't a center available that ranks well enough to pick at 16 and they select Rundblad, it wouldn't hurt my feelings. I will go as far as saying that if Ryan Ellis and Rundblad are both on the board at 16, I would prefer that the CBJ selects Rundblad. I will admit that size does matter to me when it comes to hockey players.

Columbus NHLTWeetup Draft Party

Folks, you don't want to miss this. Since we are able to put a draft party inside the Blue Jackets Official Draft party, you will get the best of both worlds. You get to experience all the things that the team is putting on but you won't have to sit by a guy that doesn't know jack squat yelling out "Draft Wayne Gretzky!" You will be able to get reserved seating at the party (the only way you can) and be surrounded by intelligent hockey people that you can debate over the draft with. We also have giveaways from Crimson Cup (Great Frozen Hot Chocolate!) and 97.1 The Fan. Everyone at the NHLTweetup will walk out with something in their hand that they didn't have when they came in!

Go to the official NHLTweetup site at www.NHLTweetup.com and select Columbus. You can make your reservations there. If you aren't on Twitter yet (what are you waiting for?) but still want to be a part of the NHLTweetup, send me an email and I will get you a reservation. Spots are limited so hurry!

Here some of the things that the Blue Jackets will be have going on.

The Blue Jackets will host their annual Entry Draft Party on Friday, beginning at 5 p.m. on the floor of Nationwide Arena. Fans are invited to watch live television coverage of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft on VERSUS while George Matthews and Bill Davidge, alongside Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan's Milan Jordan, will anchor the radio broadcast live on Sports Radio 1460 The Fan starting at 7 p.m. In addition, Jeff Rimer will contribute analysis and interviews direct from Montreal. The festivities are headlined by player appearances by 2009 Calder Trophy winner Steve Mason, R.J. Umberger and Jared Boll, who will be on hand to sign autographs and participate in the Select-A-Seat Open House where fans may learn about opportunities regarding full and partial season ticket plans for the 2009-2010 season. A wide range of activities offered during the party include the following: tours of the Blue Jackets and visiting NHL locker rooms, photo opportunities in the penalty boxes, and alongside the cannon and Zambonis, street hockey for kids, merchandise and game-used equipment sale, silent auction of sports memorabilia benefiting the Blue Jackets Foundation and draft party food and beverage specials.

Fire The Cannon!

Eric Smith
Eric.Smith@HockeyBuzz.com

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