[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (U-18 Edition, Vol.6):

There's a video on the internet depicting Swedish LHC Mans Toresson judo-flipping U-18 teammate Jack Berglund in J20 league play during a scrum. Toresson is a well-rounded forward with some grit and toughness, and can play all three forward positions. The Swedes took home the bronze with a 4-0 win over the surprising Slovaks in the U-18's, and Toresson wound up with no points in 7 games with limited ice-time and opportunity- but his game isn't about offense anyway. At last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he wore the "A" for Team Sweden, but only picked up a goal in 4 games, and produced a mere 11 points in 37 games for Frolunda J20 in league play this season, to go with 41 penalty-minutes. The 6'1",185lb forward did impress in the J20 playoffs though, with 3 goals and 4 points in 6 games.

Toresson is first and foremost a shutdown player with a potent defensive game, and supreme IQ and hockey sense in his own end. He's a superb penalty-killer with his speed and long wingspan, and is always flying in the face of puck-carriers to limit time and space, while causing mistakes and turnovers. He's fearless in blocking shots, and will help his D down low, with physicality. Toresson is an excellent skater with a powerful stride who can cover a long distance in a short time, win races to loose pucks, and cut off large portions of ice to attackers. He exerts energy and pace in his skating, and keeps his legs pumping. He's hard working, competitive, and a bit mean- he's stronger than his frame, and has an extra-long reach. He uses his physical attributes well to win battles, and plays a heavy game, finishing all of his checks. He plays with a high work-ethic, gives his team jump, and participates in all the scrums, coming to the aid of his teammates. On the forecheck, he's tenacious and physical to cause havok, and can close distances fast on opponents to smother them, sometimes with a thunderous bodycheck.

Toresson's IQ is helpful to him in all areas, and has the spatial awareness to find the soft spots in the offensive zone, but there's not much offensive upside here at this point. He will go to the net to cause havok, screen the goalie, and perhaps clean up garbage around the crease. He's not supremely skilled with the puck, and outside of the defensive zone, he doesn't do anything special- his shot is average, and he doesn't display any true playmaking ability. He can make simple, risk-free plays with crisp accurate passes, but anything high-end only comes in flashes- he doesn't hold on to the puck for very long, and relies on quick touches. In transition, he can contribute by supporting the rush in skating smart routes to stay open for passing plays, and displays some moves and deception to get through traffic, along with protection skills. Toresson might be left out of the draft due to his limited ceiling, and if he does get picked, it won't be until the late rounds. If he makes it to the NHL, it will be most likely in the role of a bottom-6 player with grit, speed, and physicality, who gets time on the penalty kill. Toresson needs to round out his skill set and develop a better offensive game, but he was noticeable at the U-18's.