2011 Draft Prospect: Jonas Brodin

(picture courtesy of sverigesradio.se)

Statistics (2010-2011): Färjestad (SEL): 42GP 0G 4A 12PIM

First, no he is not a member of the Jonas brothers... that is unless he decides to switch his first and last name. If this is the case he would have to live with the initials BJ for the rest of his life... something the kids on the Oilers would surely make fun of. Anyways, assuming he doesn’t change his name, we are looking at another first round pick. If Brodin slips outside the first round come draft day, a team is going to have a steal on their hands. Brodin adds to a very strong draft year by the swedes in addition to other projected first rounders Adam Larsson, Gabriel Landeskog, Mika Zibanejad, and possibly Victor Rask, Oscar Klefbom and Rickard Rakell.

Although Brodin does not have the same size that Oscar Klefbom posseses, he still has the frame needed to be a capable NHL defender. He still needs to bulk up but will be worth the wait. From everything ive gathered, he has explosive speed, sees the ice well, and terrific vision. Not only is he great offensively and a potential puckmover at the NHL level, but he is great defensively. Does that mean he is weak on the puck and shys away from the physical side of things... WRONG. Perhaps his only weakness is that he does not have elite level offence- something most defencemen are lacking.

Whoever chooses him will get a guy who makes a great first pass but his style of play doesn’t involve him jumping into the rush too often- just yet. Right now he plays a simple and smart style of game but in the future he has all the tools to become more effective. You have to remember that he is still a rookie in a mens leauge. With the proper development he might feel more comfortable with an offensive role. Brodin was the youngest player to ever suit up for Färjestad in the SEL and hasn’t looked a step out of place thus far. His very late birthday could be a driving factor in his draft position come June 24th. He probably won’t be a top pairing dman, but he will be a very good number 3 or 4.