Christopher Ralph is a hockey writer with a focus on prospects and the entry draft, as well as the Leafs’ correspondent here at THW.
“Full Potential” Prospect Profile:
David Rundblad {Kevin Prahl - Flickr}
13. David Rundblad – Lycksele, SWE – 6’2″ – 190 lbs – SEL – Skelleftea – D
One-Timer: The good-sized Swedish d-man is a beautiful skater, adept at making “coast-to-coast” plays on the ice. He is first and foremost a puck-moving blueliner, but given time to develop a more efficient defensive side to his game, should be become a well-rounded two-way defenseman. Rundblad could possibly sneak into the Top 10 of this draft, although a slide to mid- or late 1st round is more plausible.
NHL Player(s) Comparison: Mark Streit, Mike Green
Bio/Profile/Interview Links:
http://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/2009/6/6/900957/scouting-the-09-draft-david
NHL.com –> (“Rundblad Has Green Look To Him”)
Scouting Combine Performance:
- TSN staff reported: “The final group of the Combine was highlighted by Swedish defenceman David Rundblad (#6), who has good size, with much room to grow and, like so many others here this weekend, he’ll need to get stronger before going to the next level.”
International Tournaments: He was very impressive at the WJC-U20s and I might even go as far as to say he outplayed Hedman. Rundblad notched 2 points in 6 games, but displayed his skating and skill-set as described above.
ETA = 2 to 3 years
Risk-Reward Analysis: Risk = 2/5 Reward = 4.5/5
NHL Potential: Top 2, two-way blueliner
Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 8.5/10 Defensive = 7.5/10
Other Rankings:
- ISS: 22
- CSB: 6-E
- TSN: 23
- THN: 10
Video Links: {Rundblad scores a goal just before the 2:00 mark of the video clip}
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZWbxgwb4lQ
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