The Next Ones – Gabriel Landeskog – NHL 2011 Draft Prospect Profile: The New Mike Richards?

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Please “Click Here” for “Notes Up Front” and the “Legend” for various topics covered below in my “Live Updated” NHL 2011 Draft Preview article.

Gabriel Landeskog {OHL.com}

Gabriel Landeskog

Born: Stockholm, Sweden

DOB: November 23, 1992
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 207 lbs
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Left

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2011

One-Timer:

Not your ‘prototypical’ European player, Gabriel Landeskog is making waves in the hockey community, having been compared to former Kitchener Captain, Mike Richards. An impact player by choice, Landeskog reeks of perseverance,  determination and pure desire to win. An absolute force when he wants to, this Swedish Captain plays the power forward role to a t.

When a teammate needs him, he’s there. Whether to drop the gloves, block a shot, score a goal, or set one up, Landeskog will do it all. Considered the most complete player in this year’s draft, some scouts are drooling over the Rangers Captain, and there has been a case made for him going 1st Overall come June.

When asked about his Captain, Kitchener Head Coach and General Manager is all to eager to slap the impact player label on Landeskog, comparing him to a former Rangers Captain and current Philadelphia Flyers Captain, Mike Richards. Both wear their heart on their sleeve each shift.

Top Prospects Game: Was unable to attend because of a high ankle sprain.

Statistics: 53 GP – 36 G – 30 A

Scout’s Honor:

“Extremely fit and strong, wins nearly every corner battle and isn’t afraid to dust it up when necessary. Great teammate who plays with a contagious enthusiasm for the game. Should put up much better numbers this year now that he’ll be seeing first line and PP duty.”- Red Line Report, September 2010

Bio/Interview(s)/Link(s):

  • · NHL.Com – There’s Nothing Soft about Landeskog’s Game
  • · The Hockey News – Prospect Watch: Gabriel Landeskog

International Tournaments

  • Played for Team Sweden at Under 16’s- Was Named Captain
  • Played for Team Sweden at Under 17’s- Was Named Captain
  • Played for Team Sweden at Under 18’s- Was Named Captain
  • Played for Team Sweden at the Under 20 World Juniors- Was Named Alternate Captain, though his tournament was cut short by a high ankle sprain

ETA = 1 yrs

Risk-Reward Analysis:

Risk = 0.5/5   Reward = 3.5/5

NHL Potential:

Top 6 Winger who can play in all situations; Powerplay, Penalty Kill

Strengths:

*See “One Timer” section above.

  • Strong, powerful skater with excellent balance
  • Accurate Shot
  • Shows energy every shift, rarely takes a moment off
  • Adept passer
  • Big body- shows physical elements all game
  • Leader everywhere he goes
  • Intangibles
  • Strong work ethic

Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

  • Continue to get stronger
  • First step quickness needs continued improvement to make bigger impact at NHL Level
  • Add power to shot

Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 7.5/10   Defensive = 8/10

NHL Player(s) Comparison:

– At his best:

  • Mike Richards
  • Jarome Iginla
  • Brendan Shanahan

Video(s):

Off The Iron (Interesting Notes):

  • Will likely be first Swedish Born CHL’er to be taken in First Round
  • Father was a defenseman in SEL

THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph

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