Lucas Pettersson, C, Modo Hockey/Östersunds IK (Anaheim Ducks)
Lucas Pettersson is playing very well, often logging over 20 minutes per game as a top-line centre in HockeyAllsvenskan. Given his current form, he probably should have been on Sweden’s World Junior Championship roster last month. Despite playing for a struggling team at the bottom of the standings, he is still producing points.
Lucas is a fast-skating centre who contributes in all three zones. He looks much stronger this season and possesses intriguing physical skills, such as using reverse hits effectively and maintaining strong puck protection along the boards. He wins puck battles with inside-driven stick checking. Offensively, he reads space well, knowing where to place the puck and when to slow down a play. He is always intense and covers a lot of ice. He isn’t an elite offensive talent but is a competent playmaker who can carry and protect the puck at high speed. His speedy two-way game suggests he has a future as a third-line NHL centre.