The Next Ones – Rickard Rakell – NHL 2011 Draft Prospect Profile: Swedes Swedes Swedes

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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.

Ryan Sproul

Rickard Rakell; Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images

 

 

Born: Sollentuna, Sweden

DOB: January 13, 1993
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 195 lbs
Position: Center/Right Wing
Shoots: Right

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2011

One-Timer:

The newest workout buddy for fellow top prospect, Gabriel Landeskog, Rakell is confident he can be a top player, and has the work ethic to take his game to another level. Another in a list of Swedish import players taking the opportunity to come across the pond before their Draft, to further their development in the CHL, Rakell is a kid that teams and coaches will love. Always working hard, and playing bigger than his body would suggest, he’s a real hockey player who does it all.

Top Prospects Game: Was held pointless, playing with Team Cherry.

Statistics:

Scout’s Honor:

“We really dug this kid at the World Jr. Championship in December, when he had to step up after the loss of Gabriel Landeskog against Norway. Rakell was terrific in the preliminary round shutout against eventual champion Russia by being active, abrasive and opportunistic on every shift. He may not have excellent size or strength, but he plays bigger than his 6-foot frame and gets up under bigger, stronger guys. Tenacious on the forecheck and smart- forces turnovers and keeps his feet moving. Doesn’t have elite breakaway speed, but is quick and elusive. Rakell also plays a pretty disciplined style- he can get under opponents’ skin, but doesn’t take a lot of penalties himself, often smirking at the other guy as he heads off to the box. He’s diligent in his work along the boards and will take the puck into traffic and distributes pretty well. His upside is a bit of a question mark right now, however. He scored 19 goals and 43 points in 49 games with the Whalers, missing the end of the season and part of the playoffs with a lower body injury. Intelligent and energetic, he does show flashes of some offensive potential, but may have to make his living on the bottom two lines.”– (Kirk Luedeke – BruinsDraftWatch2011)

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

International Tournaments

  • Team Sweden at the Under 16’s, Under 17’s, Under 18’s and the World Juniors.
  • Filled Gabriel Landeskog’s role during the World Juniors, following Gabe’s injury.

ETA = 2-3 yrs

Risk-Reward Analysis:

Risk = 1.5/5 Reward = 3.5/5

NHL Potential:

Second Line Two-Way Forward

Strengths:

 

*See “One Timer” section above.

  • Aggressive on the forecheck
  • Quick skater, and elusive
  • Intelligent – good hockey sense
  • Work Ethic
  • Good hands
  • Pro Calibre Shot
  • Coach’s Dream

Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

  • Strength
  • Straight Away Speed
  • Develop Offensive Skills Some More

Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 7.5/10 Defensive = 7.0/10

NHL Player(s) Comparison:

 

At his best:

  • Tuomo Ruutu
  • Brad Marchand

Video(s):

 

 

Off The Iron (Interesting Notes):

 

 

  • Mats Sundin fan
  • Had a great Draft Combine– In Interviews was adamant he would be a top player

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