[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (U-18 Edition, Vol.1):

Though he's not getting a lot of ice time in the U-18's, C/RW Adam Hesselvall has caught my eye. He had some draft buzz early on in this campaign, but his season has hit some potholes along the way. He recorded 10 goals and 30 points in 43 games for Sodertalje SK of the J20, to go with 38 penalty-minutes, which earned him a 1-game call-up to the Allsvenskan. Hesselvall started the season with 10 points in his first 10 games in the J20, but hit a slump in early October where he went 11 games with only 1 point, and then put up 19 points in his next 22 games. In limited minutes at the U-18's, Hesselvall is currently sitting at 1 goal in 5 games., but he registered 3 points in 6 games at the World Junior A Challenge, where he was tied with Melvin Fernstrom for 10th on Team Sweden. The 6'0"190lb winger can play center and both special teams, but is largely a complimentary player, and doesn't really push pace or drive play.

It's very difficult to describe Hesselvall's style. His one goal at the U-18's had him appearing out of thin air to swat in a pass from his teammate behind the net- which pretty much encapsulates his routine in the offensive zone. He often looks like he's floating around aimlessly, but he's actually stalking the puck by lurking around undetected, exploiting open space and time. He's like a ghost down low and around the net, sneaking in and out of soft spots and high-danger, unbeknownst to his enemies, getting open and waiting for the right moment to strike. It's not like he's waiting for the play to come to him, he's just extremely opportunistic with excellent hockey sense and impeccable timing. When entering the zone off-puck though, he will break hard for the net once the puck is over the line, and on the forecheck, he's disruptive and causes havok. Though he flashes high-end playmaking and passing skills, he is always looking to shoot, and perhaps relies too much on his shot. He does have a hard, accurate shot though, with a quick release and a skillful use of deception, and he's always putting himself in prime positions to unleash. He uses that shot as a playmaking tool as well, firing low and hard to provide rebound opportunities for his teammates, and to cause havok in the crease. He's not afraid of the greasy areas, and will muck and grind for possession. He's also not afraid to apply a bit of physicality in order to dislodge pucks.

When he takes the opportunity to make a play via the pass, he shows soft hands and good vision, with the ability to thread the needle through traffic with crisp, accurate passes. Hesselvall is an above-average skater with a good top-speed, but he needs work on his explosiveness and acceleration, as he can be beaten in short-area races and arrive a split-second too late to grab loose pucks. He handles extremely well, and the puck often looks like it's glued to his stick, but he makes his decisions quickly and doesn't carry the puck for too long. Against attackers 1-on-1, he makes them miss with his slick moves, exhibiting patience and poise. He's very slippery with his ability to dodge checks, and roll off of hits. Off the puck, he skates smart routes to stay available for passes, and to support the rush. Hesselvall demonstrates awareness and anticipation on both sides of the puck, and although he's not a stalwart, he works hard defensively to be disruptive and support his D. He always seems to be ahead of the play mentally, reading and reacting with an active stick and exemplary positioning.

Hesselvall is not a shoe-in to be drafted, and his production throughout the year might have cost him. He shows some impatience, and will opt for a low-percentage shot on net, when he should delay and wait for more options. This is tied to his shoot-first mentality, but he will need to learn to use his playmaking skills better, to diversify his attack to be less predictable. He has to change his style a bit, and learn to play with pace, or he'll be left behind when he gets to the pros. He's very streaky and inconsistent, which will have to change, and he needs to upgrade his skating. In the current U-18's, he's being used on a bottom-6 energy line, and he doesn't look out of place which gives me hope that he could fulfill that role at the next level, if all else fails. Hesselvall could be a long-term project, and will have to wait until later rounds to be picked, if he is picked, but I like the kid.