Author: Jocke Anderson

#46– Albert Smits, Latvia

Live Scouting:  Germany 4 vs Latvia 1

By Jocke Andersson, Head Scout Sweden

Name: Albert Smits
Position: Defenseman (Left Shot)
Date of Birth: December 2, 2007
Height/Weight: 6’3” / 205 lbs (191 cm / 93 kg)
Nationality: Latvia
Current Team: Jukurit (Liiga, Finland)
Tournament: Deutschland Cup 2025 – Representing Team Latvia

Albert Smits is a 17-year-old left-shot defenseman who represented Latvia at the 2025 Deutschland Cup, marking his first appearance at the senior international level. Currently playing professionally with Jukurit in Finland’s Liiga, Smits is viewed as one of Latvia’s most promising young defense prospects and a potential early-round selection for the 2026 NHL Draft. His mature decision-making, steady defensive play, and composure under pressure make him stand out among peers his age.

Smits is a fluid and efficient skater with impressive stride mechanics for a player of his size. His long, powerful strides allow him to cover ice efficiently, maintaining strong gap control in transition. Mobility and edge control are well above average, though his initial acceleration and first-step quickness can continue to improve with added lower-body explosiveness. He demonstrates smooth pivots and can recover positioning effectively when defending rush chances.

He shows notable calmness on retrievals and strong awareness of pressure. Smits consistently surveys his surroundings, making smart, efficient breakout passes that initiate clean exits. He favors the high-percentage play over risk, but can skate pucks out of danger when lanes close. His passes are crisp and accurate, showing confidence in short and medium-range outlets. Offensively, he keeps pucks low and on target from the point, displaying a growing ability to find shooting lanes through traffic.

Smits’ defensive instincts are advanced for his age. He maintains tight defensive gaps and uses an active stick to disrupt passing lanes. His reach and body positioning allow him to steer attackers away from dangerous areas, and he rarely overextends in pursuit of contact. Shows poise in one-on-one situations and communicates effectively with his partner. Smits’ strength and leverage allow him to control net-front play, though continued physical development will further enhance his effectiveness against stronger professional forwards.

Smits exhibits a high level of hockey intelligence and composure. He reads developing plays early, supports teammates effectively, and makes mature decisions under forecheck pressure. Rarely caught out of position, he displays good spatial awareness and a professional approach to game management. His calm demeanor translates into consistent, mistake-free shifts that inspire confidence from coaches.

While not a punishing hitter, Smits competes hard and uses his frame effectively to separate opponents from the puck. He finishes checks when needed, wins most board battles through leverage and body positioning, and plays with quiet toughness. His compete level is steady — he brings the same effort and attention to detail every shift. As he continues to add strength, his physical impact will become a larger part of his game.

At the Deutschland Cup, Smits was utilized primarily in a third pairing and penalty-kill role, gaining valuable experience against veteran European competition. His poise under pressure stood out, as did his ability to read plays and make safe outlet passes under an aggressive forecheck. Despite limited minutes, he showed flashes of confidence carrying the puck and displayed reliability beyond his years. Latvia’s coaching staff clearly viewed his inclusion as an investment in long-term development — a sign of trust in his maturity and upside.

Smits projects as a top four, two-way defenseman capable of logging significant five-on-five and penalty-kill minutes. His combination of size, hockey sense, and composure fits the profile of a modern stay-at-home defender with puck-moving efficiency. If he continues to improve his first-step acceleration and adds more confidence in offensive zone play, Smits could become a reliable, all-situations NHL blueliner.

Its important that hecontinue improving lower-body strength and first-step acceleration to match pace at higher levels.

Smits should go on with making his Offensive Confidence expand blue-line movement and deception to become more dangerous on the point.

He is already good but can still improve his physical Consistency and maintain assertiveness in board battles and net-front coverage against larger opponents.

I can see him as a late 1th rounder or a high 2^nd rounder of the draft 2026.

#9 – Paul Sintschnig, Austria

Live Scouting:  Austria vs. Slovakia ( 2-6)

By Jocke Andersson, Head Scout Sweden

Name: Paul Sintschnig
Date of Birth: March 11, 2009
Position: Forward
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Austria
Current Team: Austrian National Team / Villach , Austria 
Tournament: Deutschland Cup 2025

Paul Sintschnig, only 16 years old, made his senior national team debut for Austria in this game against Slovakia at the 2025 Deutschland Cup. Despite the lopsided result, his selection reflects the federation’s confidence in his potential as one of Austria’s top emerging talents. Sintschnig began the game on Austria’s fourth line and showed poise and competitiveness in limited minutes before exiting early due to injury following a hit into the boards.

Sintschnig moves well for his age, with a light stride and quick acceleration. His edge work and balance are noticeable strengths; he maintains control through tight turns and transitions. Although still developing lower-body strength, his skating mechanics and mobility are advanced for a 16-year-old competing at the senior level. Once he adds more leg power, his stride will gain greater drive and separation speed.

He demonstrates solid puck control and situational awareness in tight areas. When on the ice, Sintschnig looked comfortable handling the puck and showed composure making short-range plays. He possesses quick hands and the confidence to carry the puck through the neutral zone. Offensive impact was limited in this outing due to Austria’s overall struggles and his early departure, but flashes of vision and creativity were evident in his brief shifts.

Sintschnig showed awareness and willingness to track back hard on defensive transitions. He maintained good body positioning and supported his defensemen on low-zone coverage. His stick positioning is sound for a player of his age, and he demonstrated attentiveness to structure and assignments — promising indicators for future two-way reliability.

At 16, Sintschnig is still growing into his frame and lacks full professional strength, but he competes fearlessly. He engages physically, pursues pucks with intent, and shows no hesitation in traffic. Unfortunately, his game ended prematurely after a heavy collision with the boards. The play underscored both his willingness to battle and the need to continue building physical durability to handle senior-level contact.

Austria fell behind quickly, conceding five goals in the opening period, which limited the team’s ability to roll all four lines consistently. Sintschnig’s ice time was minimal before his injury, but his effort and confidence in brief appearances stood out given the circumstances. His inclusion at this level at such a young age signal that the Austrian staff view him as a cornerstone for the future.

Sintschnig projects as a skilled, two-way forward with the potential to become a reliable top-six contributor for Austria in international competition. With continued physical and technical development, he could evolve into a versatile player capable of impacting both special-teams situations and five-on-five play. His poise, skating, and hockey sense make him a strong candidate for future professional success once his body matures.

He needs to build core and leg strength to handle senior-level contact.

Sintsching has to polished maintain shift intensity throughout longer games.

He also have to continue to assert himself with the puck, generating more scoring chances.

I see him as Comparable to Dominik Kubalik in early development stages — a versatile winger with smart reads, smooth skating, and willingness to engage physically when needed.

I project him as a 4^th rounder pick for the Draft 2026

#9 – Paul Sintschnig, Austria

Live Scouting:  Austria vs. Slovakia ( 2-6)

By Jocke Andersson, Head Scout Sweden

Name: Paul Sintschnig
Date of Birth: March 11, 2009
Position: Forward
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Austria
Current Team: Austrian National Team / Villach , Austria 
Tournament: Deutschland Cup 2025

Paul Sintschnig, only 16 years old, made his senior national team debut for Austria in this game against Slovakia at the 2025 Deutschland Cup. Despite the lopsided result, his selection reflects the federation’s confidence in his potential as one of Austria’s top emerging talents. Sintschnig began the game on Austria’s fourth line and showed poise and competitiveness in limited minutes before exiting early due to injury following a hit into the boards.

Sintschnig moves well for his age, with a light stride and quick acceleration. His edge work and balance are noticeable strengths; he maintains control through tight turns and transitions. Although still developing lower-body strength, his skating mechanics and mobility are advanced for a 16-year-old competing at the senior level. Once he adds more leg power, his stride will gain greater drive and separation speed.

He demonstrates solid puck control and situational awareness in tight areas. When on the ice, Sintschnig looked comfortable handling the puck and showed composure making short-range plays. He possesses quick hands and the confidence to carry the puck through the neutral zone. Offensive impact was limited in this outing due to Austria’s overall struggles and his early departure, but flashes of vision and creativity were evident in his brief shifts.

Sintschnig showed awareness and willingness to track back hard on defensive transitions. He maintained good body positioning and supported his defensemen on low-zone coverage. His stick positioning is sound for a player of his age, and he demonstrated attentiveness to structure and assignments — promising indicators for future two-way reliability.

At 16, Sintschnig is still growing into his frame and lacks full professional strength, but he competes fearlessly. He engages physically, pursues pucks with intent, and shows no hesitation in traffic. Unfortunately, his game ended prematurely after a heavy collision with the boards. The play underscored both his willingness to battle and the need to continue building physical durability to handle senior-level contact.

Austria fell behind quickly, conceding five goals in the opening period, which limited the team’s ability to roll all four lines consistently. Sintschnig’s ice time was minimal before his injury, but his effort and confidence in brief appearances stood out given the circumstances. His inclusion at this level at such a young age signal that the Austrian staff view him as a cornerstone for the future.

Sintschnig projects as a skilled, two-way forward with the potential to become a reliable top-six contributor for Austria in international competition. With continued physical and technical development, he could evolve into a versatile player capable of impacting both special-teams situations and five-on-five play. His poise, skating, and hockey sense make him a strong candidate for future professional success once his body matures.

He needs to build core and leg strength to handle senior-level contact.

Sintsching has to polished maintain shift intensity throughout longer games.

He also have to continue to assert himself with the puck, generating more scoring chances.

I see him as Comparable to Dominik Kubalik in early development stages — a versatile winger with smart reads, smooth skating, and willingness to engage physically when needed.

I project him as a 4^th rounder pick for the Draft 2026

#46– Albert Smits, Latvia

Live Scouting:  Germany 4 vs Latvia 1

By Jocke Andersson, Head Scout Sweden

Name: Albert Smits
Position: Defenseman (Left Shot)
Date of Birth: December 2, 2007
Height/Weight: 6’3” / 205 lbs (191 cm / 93 kg)
Nationality: Latvia
Current Team: Jukurit (Liiga, Finland)
Tournament: Deutschland Cup 2025 – Representing Team Latvia

Albert Smits is a 17-year-old left-shot defenseman who represented Latvia at the 2025 Deutschland Cup, marking his first appearance at the senior international level. Currently playing professionally with Jukurit in Finland’s Liiga, Smits is viewed as one of Latvia’s most promising young defense prospects and a potential early-round selection for the 2026 NHL Draft. His mature decision-making, steady defensive play, and composure under pressure make him stand out among peers his age.

Smits is a fluid and efficient skater with impressive stride mechanics for a player of his size. His long, powerful strides allow him to cover ice efficiently, maintaining strong gap control in transition. Mobility and edge control are well above average, though his initial acceleration and first-step quickness can continue to improve with added lower-body explosiveness. He demonstrates smooth pivots and can recover positioning effectively when defending rush chances.

He shows notable calmness on retrievals and strong awareness of pressure. Smits consistently surveys his surroundings, making smart, efficient breakout passes that initiate clean exits. He favors the high-percentage play over risk, but can skate pucks out of danger when lanes close. His passes are crisp and accurate, showing confidence in short and medium-range outlets. Offensively, he keeps pucks low and on target from the point, displaying a growing ability to find shooting lanes through traffic.

Smits’ defensive instincts are advanced for his age. He maintains tight defensive gaps and uses an active stick to disrupt passing lanes. His reach and body positioning allow him to steer attackers away from dangerous areas, and he rarely overextends in pursuit of contact. Shows poise in one-on-one situations and communicates effectively with his partner. Smits’ strength and leverage allow him to control net-front play, though continued physical development will further enhance his effectiveness against stronger professional forwards.

Smits exhibits a high level of hockey intelligence and composure. He reads developing plays early, supports teammates effectively, and makes mature decisions under forecheck pressure. Rarely caught out of position, he displays good spatial awareness and a professional approach to game management. His calm demeanor translates into consistent, mistake-free shifts that inspire confidence from coaches.

While not a punishing hitter, Smits competes hard and uses his frame effectively to separate opponents from the puck. He finishes checks when needed, wins most board battles through leverage and body positioning, and plays with quiet toughness. His compete level is steady — he brings the same effort and attention to detail every shift. As he continues to add strength, his physical impact will become a larger part of his game.

At the Deutschland Cup, Smits was utilized primarily in a third pairing and penalty-kill role, gaining valuable experience against veteran European competition. His poise under pressure stood out, as did his ability to read plays and make safe outlet passes under an aggressive forecheck. Despite limited minutes, he showed flashes of confidence carrying the puck and displayed reliability beyond his years. Latvia’s coaching staff clearly viewed his inclusion as an investment in long-term development — a sign of trust in his maturity and upside.

Smits projects as a top four, two-way defenseman capable of logging significant five-on-five and penalty-kill minutes. His combination of size, hockey sense, and composure fits the profile of a modern stay-at-home defender with puck-moving efficiency. If he continues to improve his first-step acceleration and adds more confidence in offensive zone play, Smits could become a reliable, all-situations NHL blueliner.

Its important that hecontinue improving lower-body strength and first-step acceleration to match pace at higher levels.

Smits should go on with making his Offensive Confidence expand blue-line movement and deception to become more dangerous on the point.

He is already good but can still improve his physical Consistency and maintain assertiveness in board battles and net-front coverage against larger opponents.

I can see him as a late 1st rounder or a high 2nd rounder of the draft 2026.

Ivar Stenberg is a highly skilled, offensively driven forward who plays with pace,
creativity, and strong hockey sense. He displays poise and confidence with the
puck, consistently making smart reads and controlled plays under pressure.
Stenberg excels at creating offense through movement — he’s quick in
transition, supports the puck well, and has the skill to beat defenders one-on-
one.

His shot is a growing strength: accurate, deceptive, and capable of beating
goaltenders cleanly when given space. Stenberg’s playmaking is equally
impressive, showing the ability to anticipate passing lanes and execute with
precision. He’s effective both as a primary puck carrier and a complementary
offensive piece who reads the ice well off teammates.

Skating is a major part of his game. Stenberg has a quick first step, smooth
edges, and the agility to separate from coverage. His stride is efficient, allowing
him to maintain pace through the neutral zone and apply consistent pressure on
the forecheck.

Like many young offensive players, Stenberg will need to continue refining his
play away from the puck. At times, he can drift high in the defensive zone or lose
structure on coverage. Strength and physical maturity will also be key as he
progresses — adding muscle to better handle contact and sustain pressure along
the boards. Improving consistency in defensive positioning and puck support will help him
evolve into a more complete player.

He can for sure reach a offensively intelligent top-six forward with play-driving
ability and scoring instincts. Projects as a versatile winger or center capable of
impacting games through skill, vision, and pace.

He is already now a forward with top power and game-breaking skill.
Stenberg is a Power-play contributor — effective as a half-wall distributor or
shooter. Potential to develop penalty-kill utility with improved defensive
structure.

Expected to be a top offensive producer for Frölunda’s U18 and U20 programs
as he matures physically. Has the tools to become one of Sweden’s premier
2009-born forwards with continued refinement in all-around play.

61#— | F | Viggo Björck
Team: Djurgårdens IF (Sweden)
Videoscouting: Leksand 1:3 Djurgarden
By Jocke Andersson, Head Scout Sweden
Height/Weight:
177 cm / 5’10”, 78 kg / 172 lbs
Shoots: Left
DOB: 2008
Draft Eligible: 2026

Viggo Björck is a skilled and competitive forward who blends high-end hockey
sense with an advanced understanding of offensive spacing and timing. He plays
a fast, intelligent game, consistently creating plays through pace, anticipation,
and quick execution. Björck’s ability to process the ice makes him an effective
dual threat, capable of finishing with precision or setting up teammates with
sharp, on-time passes.

His skating is a major asset: smooth stride mechanics, strong edge control, and
quick acceleration allow him to attack off the rush or change direction fluidly in
tight spaces. He plays with tempo, constantly in motion, and is effective at
sustaining possession through balance and agility. Björck’s shot features a
clean, deceptive release that can beat goaltenders from mid-range.

Away from the puck, he competes with discipline and effort. He tracks back
responsibly, applies pressure on the forecheck, and shows a willingness to battle
in contested areas, all traits that enhance his projection as a reliable, modern
forward.

Björck would benefit from adding more muscle to better absorb contact and hold
his ground in board battles. While his offensive instincts are strong, developing
more patience with the puck and improving his small area play under pressure
will elevate his effectiveness against elite defenders.

Björck continued improvement in his consistency shift-to-shift and physical
engagement will help round out his game as he transitions to higher competition
levels.

He is Intelligent, high tempo forward with legitimate top six upside. Projects as
a creative play-driver who can contribute to multiple offensive situations while
maintaining strong effort and structure.

In the future he has top six offensive upside with strong transition
play and power-play potential. At the moment, he is now middle-six forward who contributes secondary offense and energy while maintaining responsible two-way habits.

He is a projected power-play contributor with potential to play on the flank or
net-front. Could earn penalty-kill minutes long-term due to compete level and
skating ability.

Björck has been a steady offensive performer in Djurgården’s junior system, and
his skating and hockey sense suggest strong translation to U20 and international play. Expected to maintain solid point production and continue upward development as one of Sweden’s 2008-born forwards to watch for 2026.

#54– Theodor Knights

Video Scouting: October 12, 2025 – Leksands J20 vs MODO J20 (4–1)

Team: MODO Hockey J20 (Sweden)

Height/Weight: 185 cm / 83 kg (6’1″ / 183 lbs)

Shoots: Left

DOB: 2007

Theodor Knights played a composed and disciplined game on the back end, standing out as one of MODO’s most reliable defensemen despite the team’s overall struggles. From the opening shift, he displayed calm decision-making and a steady presence under pressure. He reads the game at a mature pace, rarely forcing plays or panicking when forechecked. His poise in retrievals and ability to find controlled exits through short, precise passes are key parts of his value as a modern two-way defender.

Knights moves efficiently on his edges, showing smooth mobility in both lateral and backward skating. His gap control through the neutral zone was strong throughout the game — he maintained appropriate spacing, steered opposing forwards wide, and relied on body positioning rather than overextending for poke checks. In one-on-one situations, he was patient and timed his stick effectively to disrupt entries without taking penalties. While not overly aggressive physically, he uses his frame well to close off lanes and protect the inside.

With the puck, Knights showed confidence carrying it out of his own zone and joining the rush in support. He doesn’t force high-risk plays, instead favoring smart outlet passes that enable clean transitions. At the offensive blue line, he walked the line fluidly to open shooting lanes and maintained puck possession under pressure. Though not a dynamic offensive defenseman, he consistently made subtle but effective plays to sustain offensive-zone pressure, often finding the weak side with low, accurate passes.

Defensively, Knights displayed excellent positioning below the dots and maintained strong awareness of threats around the net. His stick was active and effective in cutting off passing lanes, and he remained square to shooters. He communicated well with his defensive partner, keeping defensive structure intact when plays broke down. When pressured deep in the defensive zone, he consistently took smart angles to the puck and absorbed contact effectively to make a play.

There are still areas that could enhance his overall impact. He could occasionally play with more urgency in transition — while his calmness is a strength, he sometimes needs to move the puck faster to avoid being caught by an aggressive forecheck. Adding a bit more physical assertiveness could also make him tougher to play against in net-front battles and along the boards. His point shot, while accurate, would benefit from a quicker release and more power to create rebound and deflection opportunities.

Overall, Theodor Knights demonstrated strong hockey sense, balance, and maturity in his defensive game. He’s the type of defenseman who quietly does the right things shift after shift — efficient, composed, and dependable. His skating and awareness give him a solid foundation to play in all situations, and with continued strength development and added pace in his decision-making, he projects as a well-rounded two-way defenseman at the pro level. His ceiling is that of a steady top-four defender capable of logging reliable minutes and contributing on both sides of special teams. His floor is that of a dependable depth defenseman who anchors a pairing through stability and smart play.

Projection: A strong candidate for a third-round selection in the 2026 Draft.

#16 – C Adam Andersson

Video Scouting: October 12, 2025 – Leksands J20 vs MODO J20 (4–1)

Team: Leksands IF J20 (Sweden)

Height/Weight: 183 cm / 80 kg (6’0″ / 176 lbs)

Shoots: Left

DOB: 2008

Adam Andersson is a young, intelligent two-way center with a calm and composed presence that stands out for a 2008-born player. Centering Leksands IF J20, he demonstrates a mature understanding of structure and responsibility in all three zones. In this viewing, he served as a steadying influence on his line, consistently supporting the puck, anticipating play development, and helping his team maintain possession through smart positioning and quick reads.

He plays a low-maintenance, detail-oriented game built on awareness and timing rather than flash. Defensively, Andersson shows strong commitment and discipline. He tracks back effectively, supports his defensemen deep in the zone, and closes space without overextending. His stick positioning and body control are already advanced for his age, allowing him to disrupt plays and force turnovers. He communicates well on the ice, keeping his wingers organized and engaged in both transition and defensive coverage.

With the puck, Andersson displays patience and intelligence. He doesn’t force plays or overhandle; instead, he moves the puck efficiently to open options and sustains offensive flow. He has a natural feel for spacing, finding soft areas between defenders and presenting himself as a reliable passing target. On zone entries, he prefers control over dump-and-chase sequences, using clean touches to establish extended possession. His offensive instincts are understated but steady — he knows when to press, when to delay, and when to cycle.

Areas for further development include his first-step acceleration and willingness to take initiative offensively. His skating stride is smooth and balanced, but adding explosiveness would help him separate from defenders and drive transitions with greater pace. While his shooting mechanics are solid, he could benefit from a quicker, more deceptive release to strengthen his scoring threat. Occasionally, he plays too conservatively, defaulting to safe options rather than challenging defenders or holding onto the puck to create. As his confidence grows, greater assertiveness should add another layer to his offensive impact. Physically, he is still growing into his frame, and added strength will help him handle contact and protect pucks more effectively at higher levels.

Long term, Andersson projects as a reliable two-way center capable of anchoring a line through consistency and intelligence. He plays the type of game coaches trust — structured, detail-oriented, and team-first. If his skating pop and offensive confidence continue to progress, he could evolve into a middle-six center who contributes in all situations. His ceiling projects as a responsible, matchup-capable forward who provides secondary offense and leadership value, while his floor lies as a dependable pro-level center defined by work ethic, defensive awareness, and smart positioning.

He is not a natural power-play quarterback, but he fits well as a supporting bumper or net-front option thanks to his awareness and quick reads. On special teams, he profiles strongly as a penalty killer — his anticipation, active stick, and discipline allow him to read lanes effectively and apply intelligent pressure.

Overall, Andersson’s game is defined by hockey sense and attention to detail. As he matures physically and adds more burst to his skating, his influence should continue to grow. He may never be a highlight producer, but he’s the type of player who elevates the performance of those around him. Andersson should remain a name to monitor closely for the 2026–2027 draft range, with potential to rise as he adds strength and assertiveness to his already polished foundation.

#71 – D Elton Hermansson

Video Scouting: October 12, 2025 – Leksands J20 vs MODO J20 (4–1)

Team: MODO Hockey J20 (Sweden)

Height/Weight: 186 cm / 82 kg (6’1″ / 181 lbs)

Shoots: Left

DOB: 2008

Elton Hermansson is a composed, puck-moving defenseman who plays with poise and intelligence beyond his years. He combines size, balance, and control to impact the game at both ends of the ice. A left-shot defender, Hermansson exhibits the foundation of a modern two-way defenseman — calm under pressure, efficient with the puck, and dependable within defensive structure.

In this viewing, Hermansson was a steadying presence on the back end. He reads the game exceptionally well and rarely appears rushed, even under heavy forecheck pressure. His puck retrievals are confident and methodical — he shoulder-checks before collecting the puck, identifies outlets early, and delivers crisp first passes that set up clean transitions. When carrying the puck, he shows patience and timing, advancing play through controlled exits rather than risky stretch passes. His decision-making in motion is impressive; he consistently judges when to jump into the play and when to hold his position as a safety valve.

Defensively, Hermansson’s positioning is a standout feature. He maintains tight gap control through the neutral zone and uses an active stick to steer opponents wide. He relies more on body positioning and smart angles than raw physicality, though he can engage effectively when necessary. Around the net, he stays composed, tracking sticks and neutralizing threats without overcommitting. His defensive-zone reads are sharp, and he maintains strong communication with his partner to preserve structure.

Offensively, Hermansson isn’t a high-risk creator but shows strong instincts from the blue line. He moves laterally with composure to open shooting lanes and consistently gets pucks through traffic. His vision allows him to make timely passes into dangerous areas, and he shows good awareness of spacing, particularly on the power play. While not a dynamic offensive catalyst, he contributes positively by maintaining possession and keeping plays alive in the offensive zone.

Areas for improvement focus primarily on pace and assertiveness. His short-burst acceleration could use refinement — a quicker first step would help him recover on turnovers and activate more effectively off the rush. At times, he plays a bit too safely, defaulting to low-risk outlet passes when he has room to advance the play himself. Developing more confidence to push through the neutral zone would enhance his transition game. Physically, he could benefit from greater assertiveness in one-on-one battles, using his size more consistently to separate opponents from the puck.

Long term, Hermansson projects as a steady, two-way defenseman capable of handling significant minutes within a structured system. His calm demeanor, puck management, and reliability give him strong pro-level potential. While he may not project as a high-end offensive producer, his efficiency and stability make him a player coaches will trust in all situations.

His ceiling profiles as a top-four defenseman who can log special teams minutes and provide stability in transition, while his floor sits as a dependable, defense-first blue-liner who anchors a pairing through smart, low-risk play. He’s better suited as a complementary presence rather than a primary power-play quarterback, excelling in secondary PP duties where his composure and concise puck movement sustain flow.

On special teams, Hermansson already demonstrates the instincts of a future penalty killer — reading plays early, blocking lanes efficiently, and maintaining disciplined positioning. On the power play, he operates effectively as a distributor or safety option at the blue line, keeping the unit organized and under control.

Overall, Hermansson’s game is defined by intelligence, calmness, and reliability. His composure under pressure and spatial awareness with the puck are high-end traits. With added explosiveness and physical assertiveness, he has the tools to develop into a well-rounded, dependable defenseman at the professional level. He should be viewed as a legitimate 2026 draft candidate in the late 1st- to early 2nd-round range.

#9 – RW Jonas Lagerberg Hoen

Video Scouting: October 12, 2025 – Leksands J20 vs MODO J20 (4–1)

Team: Leksands IF J20 (Sweden)

Height/Weight: 187 cm / 80 kg (6’2″ / 176 lbs)

Shoots: Right

DOB: October 24, 2007

Jonas Lagerberg Hoen profiles as a confident, shoot-first right winger with good size and a natural goal scorer’s mindset. In this viewing, he consistently positioned himself in prime scoring areas and showed a willingness to attack from the hash marks inward. His release is compact and heavy, and he wastes little time getting pucks on net. He plays with intent — finishing shifts with purpose and a visible competitive edge.

He engages physically and doesn’t hesitate to lean on defenders during forechecks. Lagerberg Hoen uses his frame effectively to protect pucks along the wall, though he can occasionally force plays or rely too heavily on his shot instead of scanning for passing options. His approach is direct: win possession, drive the middle, and shoot.

Without the puck, he applies active stick pressure and demonstrates a good grasp of offensive-zone spacing. His reads in transition are still developing; he sometimes pushes play north ahead of the puck carrier. When he keeps his feet moving, his stride length and balance through contact make him difficult to contain.

He would benefit from incorporating teammates more consistently — he can tunnel toward the net when simpler distribution options exist. Defensively, his backcheck pace fluctuates, and he can improve on gap coverage and shoulder checks in his own zone.

Lagerberg Hoen has above-average stride power but could strengthen his first-step acceleration and lateral agility. He occasionally rushes plays under pressure, and improved composure during retrievals and exits will be key as he matures.

Overall, he profiles as a modern, goal-oriented winger with power elements. With continued development, he could emerge as a middle-six forward who brings secondary scoring and energy. The offensive tools are evident; his challenge will be refining the details that sustain effectiveness when he’s not finishing plays.

He projects as a middle-six scoring winger capable of contributing on the power play and providing depth offense within a competitive lineup. While not a natural power-play quarterback, he fits naturally as a flank shooter or net-front bumper option. He finds soft ice well and can capitalize on rebounds or cross-ice passes. On the penalty kill, he remains a work in progress, still developing the defensive consistency and anticipation required for regular PK duty.

Lagerberg Hoen’s offensive identity is defined by his goal-scoring instinct and willingness to attack the interior. As he continues refining his skating, reads, and puck distribution, he projects as a player who can drive offense primarily through finishing ability rather than playmaking. Growth in his off-puck habits will determine how well his scoring touch translates at higher levels.

Projection: Mid-to-late round NHL Draft selection (4th–7th round range). Possesses clear goal-scoring tools and a pro-ready frame. Advancement in pace, awareness, and two-way refinement will decide his long-term ceiling.

PRO SCOUTING REPORT- BY Jocke Andersson – Head Scout Sweden and CO Scout Europe

Player: Anton Frondell
Position: Forward (C/LW) — Left shot
DOB: 2007
Club: Djurgårdens IF (SHL)
Report Focus: Most recent SHL games (multi-viewing sample)

Frondell showcases a totally modern, pace-driven scoring forward who hunts interior ice and finishes in stride. Plays with confidence, good touch in-tight, and a pro-caliber release.

Anton Frondell plays a brand of hockey that feels tailor-made for the modern game: fast through the middle, intelligent off the puck, and lethal the moment the puck touches his blade. Drafted third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2025 and now a top Blackhawks prospect on loan with Djurgårdens IF, he looks every bit the future NHL finisher—one whose rhythm and pace set the tone for his line from the first shift. He accelerates entries, reads pressure early, and turns half-chances into clean looks with a release that needs almost no runway. The effect is cumulative: defenders start to respect his feet, goalies start to respect his hands, and space opens where there shouldn’t be any.

The speed is more than straight-line. Frondell carries pace through his handles—shoulders level, hands away from the body, edges loaded—so he can attack a defender’s hips without telegraphing his next touch. When gaps close at the blue line he doesn’t die on the play; he chips past pressure, wins the first race underneath, and instantly reloads to the interior. That transition from retrieval to threat is where he separates from peers: he’s scanning for the next layer even as he’s collecting the puck, which keeps defenders guessing and teammates in motion.

His intelligence shows most in how he arrives at dangerous ice. Rather than hovering on the perimeter, he slashes off the weak side on a defender’s blind shoulder or delays just enough to create a lane through skates. In the zone he stays connected to the puck carrier—close enough to be an option, far enough to stretch coverage—and he’s comfortable rotating below the goal line to support. Off the rush he understands how to stack defenders: carry with speed, flash pass to pull the goalie’s eyes, then snap the shot through the screen he just created.

The shot is pro-ready. Frondell scores in three distinct ways: a catch-and-release from the dots that jumps off the blade; a one-touch finish in traffic where he sets his feet early; and a short pull that changes the angle by a stick-length, forcing the goalie to move. Technically, his heel-to-toe transfer is clean, the bottom hand stays loose until the last instant, and he disguises intent with minimal tell. Because his head and shoulders remain quiet, pucks leave before the goalie’s weight is set. It’s the profile of a winger who can beat structure, not just capitalize on it.

Small-area touches round out the scoring kit. He receives cleanly at speed, uses shoulder fakes to exit contact, and protects with inside-leg leverage rather than overrelying on upper-body strength. On the power play he reads rotations well, happy to live on the flank for a one-timer look, but equally willing to slide into bumper space and shoot off the catch. He doesn’t force east-west hero passes; he’ll take the give-and-go, move his feet, and re-present as a shooting threat in the slot. That quick, correct play keeps tempo high and feeds back into his finishing threat.

The work rate holds shift to shift. He tracks hard through the middle, closes space on the backcheck, and turns defense into offense with clean first touches. When a game swings against his team, his next shift typically features a retrieval or net drive that drags momentum back their way. He isn’t a heavy hitter, but he’s competitive in traffic and comfortable living on the interior. As he adds lower-body strength, board holds and net-front anchors should become even more reliable.

There’s development still to come, especially with continued reps at center. Low-slot posture and stick detail can tighten—earlier shoulder checks before scrums, blade on passing lanes rather than chasing the puck. At the offensive blue line the extra handle shows up occasionally against tight gaps; the fix is earlier distribution to keep group speed and then re-attack into space. Faceoff craft, timing, counters, tie-up to kick-out, is a typical growth item for young centers and should trend up with reps.

NHL projection and role fit: As a recent first-round selection of the Blackhawks, Frondell projects to translate quickly as a top-nine forward with real top-six upside on a pace-driven team. Early deployment should lean to the wing at even strength, with a north-south line that lets him attack off entries and arrive as a primary finisher in the slot. On special teams he projects as a PP2 fixture from the weak-side flank or bumper, where his quick-release, catch-and-shoot timing elevates shot quality without overcomplicating puck movement. With continued gains in defensive detail and decision speed at the line, he has a clear path to PP1 trigger-man usage and tougher five-on-five matchups.

The modern NHL rewards exactly what Frondell brings: speed that carries through touches, cognition that creates separation without the puck, and a release that punishes even half-windows. Pair him with a transport defenseman or a pace-driving center, give him clean routes to the interior, and his scoring tools will show quickly. Layer the defensive habits underneath, and you have a long-term, play-driving scorer who can tilt games with a single, decisive touch.

At a Glance

Anton Frondell’s calling card is a quick, versatile shot that plays from the dots in. He skates above team pace, creating early separation with his first three strides. His identity is that of a shooter who goes to the middle, competes to win pucks back, and can move between center and left wing. The growth track is clear: add defensive detail and speed up decisions against set defensive lines.

What Stands Out on Video

Frondell finishes in multiple ways, from one-touch and catch-and-shoot to a short pull that changes the angle; he often releases late and beats goalies before they’re set. His timing is sharp as he finds soft seams off the weak side and arrives on the goalie’s eyes, comfortable finishing while in motion. With the puck, he shows soft hands and simple shoulder fakes to exit contact, keeping the blade loaded and ready. His entries are driven by pace, pushing defenders back at the line; when the middle closes, he chips with speed and wins the first race underneath. The motor is consistent, he tracks back hard, wins second pucks, and goes to the blue paint without hesitation.

What Needs Work

At center, he needs to refine low-slot posture and stick detail, adding earlier shoulder checks before net-front scrums. At the offensive blue line, he should trim extra touches against tight gaps and move the puck earlier to maintain team speed. On faceoffs, he will benefit from adding counters, tightening timing, and improving tie-up mechanics. Continued lower-body strength will help him hold the wall and anchor net-front positions more reliably.

Usage & Fit

At even strength, he projects best in a top-nine role on a north–south line, complemented by linemates who keep pace through the middle. On the power play, he fits on the flank or in the bumper, where quick-strike actions—dot pops for the wrister, low-to-high one-timers, and bumper slips into the slot.maximize his release. Penalty-kill usage can come later, as his instincts and work rate suggest future potential.

Skills Snapshot (20–80 NHL Scale)

His skating rates a 55, reflecting above-average speed that he carries through his handles. 

Puck skills are a 60, with confident in-tight manipulation and clean receptions at pace. Shot and finishing also land at 60, supported by multiple release types and inside-ice conversion. Playmaking sits at 55, as he sees weak-side seams but is still growing on early give-and-go reads. Hockey sense is 55, showing sound off-puck scans and spacing in the offensive zone. 

Compete and motor grade at 60, with persistent retrievals and momentum-shifting energy. Defensive detail is 50, indicating structure and stick angles are still developing, and physicality is 50, as he engages willingly while the frame continues to fill out.

Overall, he trends from 55 now to 60 in ~2 years, projecting as a middle-six NHL forward with top-six upside if play-driving and center-ice detail continue to rise.

Recent Game Notes

He consistently created Grade-A chances by arriving into slot seams from the weak side and mixed his finishes, a quick wrist shot from the dot, one-touch in traffic, and angle-changing releases that froze goalies. Speedy entries backed defenders off and opened delay options for trailing teammates. After momentum swings, his response shifts were energetic and productive. Defensive-zone reps at center are increasing, and his sorting improves when shoulder checks are frequent.

Development Plan (Next 6–12 Months)

He should log more defensive reps at center to sharpen stick discipline and inside shoulder checks. Decision speed at the blue line needs to quicken—move it early, then re-attack into space. Faceoff work should focus on counters and timing, particularly on the strong side. A dedicated strength block aimed at lower-body power will support board battles and net-front holds.