Marcus Davidsson
2016-17 Team: Djurgårdens IF (SHL)
Date of Birth: November 18, 1998
Place of Birth: Tyresö, Sweden
Ht: 6’0” Wt: 192 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C/LW
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2017 first-year eligible
Rankings
- THW Alternate Rankings: 30th (May)
- Future Considerations: 30th (Spring)
- Bob McKenzie: 37th (Mid-season)
- NHL Central Scouting: 12th (EU skaters)
- Craig Button: 39th (March)
Sweden is a country known for producing successful hockey players in pairs. Here we are, introducing the next ones; the Davidsson brothers, Marcus and Jonathan. They have already made a significant impact together in the Swedish Hockey League. Although, we’re not here to focus on them as a duo, but rather to sort out the individual abilities and attributes belonging to the younger brother, Marcus. Because out of the two, he’s receiving pretty much all the attention prior to the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
Marcus Davidsson and Max Jones (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
Marcus Davidsson is about one thing: speed. At the same time, he has a sharp understanding of the game, always looking to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. When you’re watching Davidsson play, you sometimes get the impression that he is everywhere as he maintains pressure deep in the offensive zone. And as far as production numbers go, they aren’t bad for an 18-year-old rookie in the top league. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he doubles his five goals and nine points from this season by next year.
More importantly, Marcus Davidsson needs to sustain a high-performance rate in order to become an impactful player for an NHL team in the future. As of now, he drops out of the game from time to time, which can be normal for a junior player adapting to senior hockey. If that get fixed, there’s not much that should prevent him from eventually playing great hockey at a great level.
NHL Draft Projection
Most draft rankings have him projected for the first half of the second round, and that’s likely where he will end up.
Quotables
“A playmaking, two-way center from Sweden. He can take off in a hurry with his powerful strides. Has real good puck distribution skills as he can pass the puck through tight lanes and areas to set up perfect scoring chances. He is a long-term project with strong playmaking upside.” – Dennis Schellenberg, Hockey Prospectus
“A slick skater with good hockey sense who distributes the puck well and can create offensively.” – Jeff Marek, Sportsnet
Statistics
Strengths
- Finding scoring chances in small spaces, playmaking abilities
- Skating
- Solid two-way potential, good work ethic
Under Construction (Improvements to Make)
- Muscle strength
- Reducing mediocre performances over a full season
NHL Potential
Marcus Davidsson is a long-term project but could be worthwhile. If he manages to raise his game to the next level, and the next one after that, there’s nothing saying that he can’t become a mid-six center or winger in the NHL.
Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk: 3.5/5, Reward: 4/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense: 8.5/10, Defense: 7/10
Awards/Achievements
Jonathan was the sole Davidsson brother to make the roster for Team Sweden at the U20 World Junior Championships 2017, although Marcus was one of the last names to get scratched off the list. On a more positive note, he can think back on his J20 SuperElit championship title with Djurgården from 2015-16, after which Marcus was awarded the playoff’s MVP. He then won a silver medal at the U18 World Junior Championships with the Swedish national team.