After watching Hallander now three times this season I feel semi-confident in this scouting report:
I heard his skating was bad. I don't remember thinking that in his draft year, but his speed, and movement don't seem to be a problem whatsoever at the SHL level. I'll admit it's rather awkward and sometimes he looks like he's falling over, but it works. May be a touch behind in NA, but I don't think it will be a problem.
Offensively the guy makes the smart play, not the flashy play. He likes to make those little touch passes to his teammates to continue possession in the Ozone rather than make a low% shot- perfect compliment to one of our top-2 lines as basically only Hyman understands this concept when playing with Matthews/Tavares/Nylander/Marner. He basically plays in two spots: in front of the net, or the high guy. He's like a dog on a bone trying to get the puck back, and really reads the play well.
Transition is similar to his play in the Ozone. He starts low to give his defense an option, but (at least I haven't seen it) doesn't like to skate the puck through neutral zone too much. He's more of a pass puck through and let his linemates take over, and he's very effective at it. Again, another thing I love to see playing with guys like Matthews/Nylander/Marner who are all excellent transition players, and we wouldn't want him skating it too much anyway playing with them.
Defensively he's very responsible. He definitely could be a penalty killer in the NHL. He reads plays very effectively, never seems to be out of position, and is almost always the first forward back.
He's going to be a NHL player. He probably could be a NHL player this season, but I'd rather see him get big minutes in the SHL or with the Marlies to continue developing his skills.
