Isac Lundeström – Centre – 6’0 185lbs – 17 Years Old - LuleॠHF in the Elitserien – 8gp 0g 3a 3p
Last year Lundeström played as a 16/17 year old in the Elitserien being one of the youngest players in the league. He managed to be the highest scoring player under 18 (which is an award in that league believe it or not) with just 6 points. Which is pretty good for a pre-draft eligible player. He even got a few games in Sweden’s top league when he was 15/16 becoming the second youngest player to ever lace up in the Elitserien. Though playing 3 minutes a night tells the story. That story is of a mature defensively strong player that coaches can trust. Lundeström is interesting because he’s probably the most complete defensive centre in the draft, but only shows flashes of offensive brilliance. He’s a very smart player and every now and then can make a ridiculous play (see against the Czechs); however his production levels haven’t caught up to his skill. A worrying comparison to a fellow Swede who had a similar reputation and has flat lined at the NHL level in Jacob de la Rose. Though he was playing in the Allsvenskan instead of the top tier league. Regardless, Lundeström projects as a very safe pick in the latter half of the first round and a guy who might be able to step into the NHL immediately.
Interesting to note, but Lundeström has only been a centreman since he was 15 years old. He was moved from defense as he showed so much promise with the puck in close per an interview he conducted last year. This would explain why he’s so smart in taking away lanes and why his play without the puck seems to be his priority when on the ice.
At international tournaments he has lined up generally against opponents top lines and played the role of primary penalty killer. For a top draft prospect that’s usually fairly unusual. To go along with his defensive game is a game built on passing. He’s very much a playmaking centre in the traditional sense. He is a very pass first player. Weaving in the zone and trying to find an open man. I think it’s also very important to stress how much his innate skill level and compete level is not reflected in his overall point production. It’s a very curious case and happens to a lot of young players. Sometimes they get past it like Filip Forsberg or Brandon Saad or Mark Scheifele while others languish and can’t figure it out.
At the moment he is hovering in the mid-20’s in terms of ranking. He has by all accounts been very impressive for the Swedish U20 team in various tournaments and will likely make the team. Which is a very big step for draft eligible Swedes to make the U20 tournament. He’s also well on his way to having a very productive pro-season playing 16 minutes as Lule॒s second line centre. He could hear his name called earlier than anticipated if things continue to go well.
NHL Comparable : Jakob Silfverberg