Jacob Cederholm – The Next Ones: NHL 2016 Draft Prospect Profile

Jacob Cederholm

2015-16 Team: HV 71 J20 (#33)

Date of birth: 1/30/1998

Place of birth: Helsingborg, Sweden

Ht:  6’3 Wt: 181

Shoots: Right

Position: Defence

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2016 1st year eligible

Twitter: @JacobCederholm

THW The Next Ones Ranking: 53

Other Rankings:

• Future Considerations: 82

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Cederholm Displaying Great Leadership Skills

If you have to describe defenceman Jacob Cederholm in one word – It would be leadership. The Helsingborg, Sweden native is an impressive appearance, listed at 6’3. On and off the ice, you cannot miss noticing Cederholm. He is a true leader and great communicator, leading the warm up drills, constantly advising and instructing line mates.

His skills in those areas are off the charts and in this regard he is at least one step ahead of most other draftees in the 2016 class. Cederholm is a player who keeps the game simple in his own zone, doesn’t commit a lot of mistakes and rather ices the puck instead of creating turnovers. He is exceptional in keeping forwards away from scoring on rebounds while using his entire body. Cederholm uses his long reach to aggressively pressure the puck carrier and does not give the opponent players a lot of time. His stick is always in passing lanes to interfere passes or deflect shots over the glass.

https://twitter.com/Patrik_Hansen/status/615304195684573184

Don’t expect too much from him offensively. He is a defence-first guy and lacks shot power, something which seems odd when considering his size. He also needs to work on his pass accuracy and bulk up. Although he brings a good size to the table, Cederholm is only 181 lbs. While he has a decent skating balance and does not shy away to get involved with rough stuff after the whistle, he showed lack of strength in certain battle situations.

One area where Cederholm will be ahead of his fellow draft candidates is his experience. He will continue to play games in the Swedish Hockey League for his club HV71 and will compete on a very high level.

NHL Draft Projection:

Jacob Cederholm will likely be selected in the late second round or third round. There are a couple of puck-moving defenders who I see ahead of him, but don’t be surprised if he sneaks into the second round.

Quotables:

At 6-3, he’s a big, mobile defender who will likely get bigger and more powerful as he physically matures. Was impressed with his play, though Sweden didn’t have much to show for in a game dominated by the Canadians. Looks like a future mobile shutdown horse for whichever team gets him, but there isn’t much of an offensive element emerging from him at present.

– Kirk Luedeke, Scoutingpost.com

 

Defender Jacob Cederholm of the HV71 organization is a strong defense-first minded guy who plays a physical brand and can add to the offensive attack when he sees fit. Cederholm keeps things calm and simple defensively, communicates on the ice and sticks up for his teammates. He’s seen plenty of SHL action early this season and looked strong in the process.

-FutureConsiderations.ca

Statistics:

Strengths:

Leadership

Defensive responsibility

Communication

Defensive position game

Aggressive stick

Poke check

Compete level

Under Construction (Improvements to Make):

Adding extra muscle to his big frame

Shot/pass accuracy

Shot power

Offensive zone game

NHL Potential: 

Cederholm has the potential to become a future shutdown defender who is not afraid to get involved in the physical stuff and who keeps the game simple in his own zone.

NHL player comparison: Jay Bouwmeester

Risk-Reward Analysis: 

Risk = 2/5   Reward = 3/5 ·                     

Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offensive = 2/10   Defensive = 8/10

Awards/Achievements

2014/2015: U17 WHC Bronze Medal with Sweden

2015/2016: Hlinka Memorial Silver Medal with Sweden

Interview/Profile Links:

Interview with Hockey’s Future

Scouting Report Jacob Cederholm

Hockeyprospect.com Scout on Cederholm

Shots From the Slot:

Jacob’s older brother, Anton Cederholm was a fifth round pick by the Vancouver Canucks in 2013. He has been part of the Portland Winterhawks the past two seasons and is currently playing for the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL.

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