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Sandman · 05-07-2024, 10:27 PM

Draft Thoughts (U-18 Edition, Vol.7):

C/LW Hugo Orrsten will never wow anyone with his offensive totals, but that's not his game. The 6'2",190lb pivot put up a mere 7 goals and 20 points in a full 50-game slate in the J20 league on a star-studded Orebro squad, with 3 points in 8 playoff games. After Orebro was eliminated from the post-season, he was sent down to the J18 club where he was Playoff MVP, amassing 13 points in just 6 games on the way to winning the Gold medal. Orrsten had to settle for bronze in the U-18 Tournament for Team Sweden though, with a goal (against Team Canada) and an assist in 7 games. With a July 10th birthday, he has youth on his side.

Orrsten obviously has size, but he also has some separation speed, winning most races to pucks at short distance. He could use some work on his top speed but his edges look good, with the ability to pivot quickly, and turn smoothly. There's not much upside offensively, as his puck-skill and playmaking vision are lacklustre, and he doesn't do much on this side of the puck as he's more preoccupied with his defensive duties. He plays well around the net and down low, and will crash the crease (as he did against Team Canada) for rebounds and garbage goals, or to swat in loose pucks. He can be seen stalking the slot looking for high-danger chances, and can unleash a quick wrister in full flight, but it lacks velocity and he's generally not a huge threat to score. Orrsten uses his size as leverage in puck-battles and to seal off the boards, but he's not particularly strong right now, and isn't really a physical player, using his stick and positioning to win 50/50 contests.

Orrsten is defensively responsible, and it's this area of the game that is his bread and butter, now and in the future. He displays a sharp attention to detail, and an immaculate sense of how to position himself and his stick to make stops. He supports his D in all areas and will switch off with them seamlessly to keep their spots covered when they have to move out of position. He blocks shots, clogs lanes effectively, smothers opponents of time and space, and will pressure the point, covering every inch of the defensive zone. As a center, he understands how to remove the middle of the ice as an option, and will make life difficult for attackers in front of the net by taking their sticks any way he can. There's a good motor under the hood, but I think he could use more intensity, and he needs plenty of work on his faceoffs going forward. At the end of the day, there might not be enough upside here to see a team spend a draft-pick on him unfortunately, but if he's chosen, it won't be until the late rounds with the chance that he might one day make it as a bottom-6 defensive center.

05-07-2024, 10:27 PM	#2854
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	Draft Thoughts (U-18 Edition, Vol.7): C/LW Hugo Orrsten will never wow anyone with his offensive totals, but that's not his game. The 6'2",190lb pivot put up a mere 7 goals and 20 points in a full 50-game slate in the J20 league on a star-studded Orebro squad, with 3 points in 8 playoff games. After Orebro was eliminated from the post-season, he was sent down to the J18 club where he was Playoff MVP, amassing 13 points in just 6 games on the way to winning the Gold medal. Orrsten had to settle for bronze in the U-18 Tournament for Team Sweden though, with a goal (against Team Canada) and an assist in 7 games. With a July 10th birthday, he has youth on his side. Orrsten obviously has size, but he also has some separation speed, winning most races to pucks at short distance. He could use some work on his top speed but his edges look good, with the ability to pivot quickly, and turn smoothly. There's not much upside offensively, as his puck-skill and playmaking vision are lacklustre, and he doesn't do much on this side of the puck as he's more preoccupied with his defensive duties. He plays well around the net and down low, and will crash the crease (as he did against Team Canada) for rebounds and garbage goals, or to swat in loose pucks. He can be seen stalking the slot looking for high-danger chances, and can unleash a quick wrister in full flight, but it lacks velocity and he's generally not a huge threat to score. Orrsten uses his size as leverage in puck-battles and to seal off the boards, but he's not particularly strong right now, and isn't really a physical player, using his stick and positioning to win 50/50 contests. Orrsten is defensively responsible, and it's this area of the game that is his bread and butter, now and in the future. He displays a sharp attention to detail, and an immaculate sense of how to position himself and his stick to make stops. He supports his D in all areas and will switch off with them seamlessly to keep their spots covered when they have to move out of position. He blocks shots, clogs lanes effectively, smothers opponents of time and space, and will pressure the point, covering every inch of the defensive zone. As a center, he understands how to remove the middle of the ice as an option, and will make life difficult for attackers in front of the net by taking their sticks any way he can. There's a good motor under the hood, but I think he could use more intensity, and he needs plenty of work on his faceoffs going forward. At the end of the day, there might not be enough upside here to see a team spend a draft-pick on him unfortunately, but if he's chosen, it won't be until the late rounds with the chance that he might one day make it as a bottom-6 defensive center.