I would be surprised if he became a big goal scorer in the NHL.He's a Koivu replacement,good smart 2 way center who could put up a decent number of assists.
Prospect Info: Joel Eriksson Ek (C) - 20th Overall, 2015
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I would be surprised if he became a big goal scorer in the NHL.He's a Koivu replacement,good smart 2 way center who could put up a decent number of assists.
Spurgeon
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He's more of a goal scorer than a playmaker. He's more likely to have a stat line that looks like 30-30-60 than 20-40-60.
Granlund 64
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Spurgeon
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He lead his league in scoring and has been scouted as having one of the best wristers in the draft.
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His shot and knack for going to the net and scoring timely goals is his strength. His passing is good, but he's a natural goal scorer over playmaker. Every scouting report I've ever seen has highlighted his hands, shot, and willingness to go to the net. The one I saw earlier today (forgot where) said he's more likely to go for a shot or crash the net in the offensive zone than anything else.
He is a scoring center, no way around it. He may be big, and he may use his body to play along the boards and shield the puck, but Koivu is an awful comparison stylistically.
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Dr Jan Itor
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Offense is half the game. So everything about him says Koivu to you except for half of his game? He's a C that's defensively responsible, and he's big enough to play along the boards successfully. Those are not two things that are exclusive to Koivu.
Spurgeon
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He looks like the lovechild of Dany Heatley and Evgeni Malkin
Great Comparison
He's a scoring Koivu.
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Dr Jan Itor
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The more I read about him the more I like him. Also gotta agree as a Finn, them Swedes know how to produce NHL calibre players more than any other country does.
My only gripe is his name. Eriksson Ek. It just cuts short. There's gotta be a -holm or -qvist hiding somewhere there?
My only gripe is his name. Eriksson Ek. It just cuts short. There's gotta be a -holm or -qvist hiding somewhere there?
Spurgeon
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Just because he plays a 200 ft game doesn't mean he's not a scorer.
Some scouting reports of his:
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200 foot player and two-way forward are the same thing. As are sniper and goal scorer. That's where you come to the conclusion that he's a goal-scoring, two-way center. They CAN happen. Eric Staal. Logan Couture. Ryan Kesler. Goal-scoring, two-way centers exist.
Spurgeon
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Jbcraig1883
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FC "STRENGTHS: Eriksson is yet another strong 200-foot player out of the Swedish system. He skates extremely well and has a competitive streak that keeps him always hunting to make an impact. Very skilled offensively and likes to drive the play to the net. Has some flashy puck handling skills he can bust out if necessary to turn opponents inside out. Has a long reach and can change the angle on an opponent in order to sneak around him. Sees the ice very well and gets to prime real estate to receive pucks or make a big play. Not fearful to play the grinding, heavy game in high traffic to stir it up. Has a potent shot that he can snipe some pretty goals with. He has a great shot release that is quick and deceptive. Drives the net for rebounds and second chances. There is no quit in his game as he battles until the very end. Uses his powerful skating stride to bull his way around the ice and into greasy areas of the ice. Tremendous work ethic. He used his speed and size tobcharge back on the back check and then add a hand with the breakout, being both a reliable and responsible player. Supported in all three zones and in all corners of the ice, no matter the situation. Can crush, and devastate with his checks when he wants to. Drops down low in the defensive zone to help out and finish checks, not allowing his opponents any room to make a play. Shows excellent puck protection using his large frame and strength to fight off checks while being strong on the puck. Completes pinpoint passes that lead his man on the rush. He keeps the puck close and exudes confidence as he moves through the neutral zone. Remains anchored in the zone until the coast is clear. Angles his guys into no-man’s land and physically impedes them in order to get possession. Has a good reactive stick that he keeps in the kitchen of opposing players. Sees plays develop and gets in lanes to anticipate movement. Was the top Swede at the April U18’s in Switzerland. He is versatile player who can fill in different roles and will see his name on the back of an NHL jersey very soon.
WEAKNESSES: The one area he needs to continue to focus on the most is adding some muscle to his lower body. Added strength will make him even harder to play against and nearly impossible to move in front of the opposition’s net. He also needs to work on smoothing out his stride as it can be a little choppy and we still want to see him finish his checks harder. The one thing NHL teams need to realize is that he might not develop into that top line offensive threat.
SCOUTS QUOTE: “He likes to use his strength and length to protect the puck from defenders. He was good along the wall in the gritty areas, as well
as trying to hit opponents with checks and not just separate them from the puck. In the defensive zone, he was able to cover for his defensemen
when needed, and liked to play gritty along the walls. Great versatility, great character and all-out effort throughout the game. A player you win
with.”
NHL POTENTIAL: Top-Six Two-Way Center
WEAKNESSES: The one area he needs to continue to focus on the most is adding some muscle to his lower body. Added strength will make him even harder to play against and nearly impossible to move in front of the opposition’s net. He also needs to work on smoothing out his stride as it can be a little choppy and we still want to see him finish his checks harder. The one thing NHL teams need to realize is that he might not develop into that top line offensive threat.
SCOUTS QUOTE: “He likes to use his strength and length to protect the puck from defenders. He was good along the wall in the gritty areas, as well
as trying to hit opponents with checks and not just separate them from the puck. In the defensive zone, he was able to cover for his defensemen
when needed, and liked to play gritty along the walls. Great versatility, great character and all-out effort throughout the game. A player you win
with.”
NHL POTENTIAL: Top-Six Two-Way Center
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