The Boston Bruins selected Swedish defenseman Axel Andersson with the 57th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft on Saturday.
Andersson has played for various Swedish national teams since the Under-16 league in the 2014-15 season. He most recently played for Djurgårdens in the Swedish SuperElit league, scoring the third-most points among all defensemen with 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) in 42 games.
A scouting report at CanucksArmy.com describes Andersson as a “smooth skating defenceman who is skilled with the puck.” It also says he will need to work on his defense, physicality, and “gambling” with the puck for his long-term development. But in terms of the modern NHL game, Andersson brings a very desirable skill-set with his mobility, puck moving, and powerful shot.
Axel Andersson Highlights:
Analysis: The Bruins still have plenty of left-shooting defensemen in the pipeline, but with Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo already at the NHL level, their right-shot defensive cupboard was virtually bare. Andersson adds some depth to their prospect group on the blue line, and he has a skill set (skating, puck-moving) that should translate well to the modern NHL game. Andersson is reported to make good, smart first passes up the ice, but reportedly tends to be over-aggressive at times. His ultimate ceiling will depend on how he develops his defensive game and decision-making. — Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
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