Julius Bergman THW Close-Up:
Date of birth: 11/2/1995
Place of birth: Stockholm, Sweden
Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 196 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: D
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014
THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): 57
Julius Bergman plays a similar style to Trevor Daley (Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE)
Other Rankings:
THW War Room Rankings (April): 97
Future Considerations: not ranked
Craig Button: 48
CS Final Rankings for European skaters: 19
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Julius Bergman showed his offensive talent this season with the Frolunda Indians J20 team. An fluid skater on the backend, Bergman tallied 34 points this season, leading the squad. He possesses vision up ice and makes a solid first pass out of the zone to break out. I’m not really sure if he can quarterback a powerplay, per se, but he can be utilized as a weapon on the point. He has an accurate, powerful shot and isn’t afraid to distribute the puck either.
A smart positional defenseman, Bergman may not be the largest blueliner, but he plays like he is. He lays crushing open ice checks and has great balance when trying to knock players off the puck. His physicality certainly benefits his overall style of play. He’s still a raw talent that needs his defensive game rounded out as he’s sometime too eager to join the rush instead of be responsible in his own end.
Where Will He End Up In June:
Bergman will probably go in the 3rd or 4th round of the NHL Draft.
Scout’s Honor:
“A physical but yet offensive defenseman who started playing against men in a very early age. Has been the go-to-guy on the power play for Frölunda’s junior team this past season and put up some really good numbers. Has a very well-rounded game and skates well for his size. Will probably get a shot with Frölunda in the SHL next season.”
Uffe Bodin – hockeysverige.se
“Bergman has very impressive physical characteristics. He sees the ice well and makes a good outlet. He pushes the puck up the ice and skates well. He’s alert in all zones and uses his body and stick to disrupt opposing rushes. (August 2013)“
Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations
Statistics:
International Tournaments:
Bergman has played for Team Sweden seven times.
ETA:
3-4 years
Risk/Reward Analysis:
Risk: 2/5 Reward: 3/5
NHL Potential:
2nd pairing offensive defenseman that can play on the 1st or 2nd powerplay unit
Strengths:
Physicality
Outlet passes
Vision
Skating
Accuracy
Powerful shot
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
Eager to join the rush
Round out his defense
Fill out his body
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offensive: 6/10 Defensive: 4/10
NHL Player Comparison:
– NHL comparison: Trevor Daley
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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph