Draft Thoughts (Swedish Edition, Vol. 11):
RW/C Theo Stockselius (6'2",181lbs)
Djurgardens (J20): 33gp/ 17g/ 26a/ 43pts, +22, 48 PIM
You might be wondering why you haven't heard of Theo Stockselius yet, with stats as eye-popping as the ones he's posted this season- he's fairly young (with a July 24th birthday) and he has a big frame, but he employs very little power, and plays at a low pace. Despite being 13th in league scoring, he has yet to receive an invite for a call-up to one of Djurgarden's higher-tier teams- which might be telling. I've always thought of him as a perimeter player, so I was a bit surprised to him ranked #14 (EU Skaters) by Central Scouting, and #47 by Craig Button- especially after watching his performance in December's World Junior A Challenge, where he posted only 2 assists in 5 games.
Stockselius is a top-flight offensive player right now, with a high level of vision and IQ for making plays, but he also owns goal-scoring instincts and sharp finishing skills in the form of keen spatial awareness, soft hands, and good timing. He's often a step or two ahead of the competition with how well he reads the ice, and always puts himself in advantageous position. He possesses a high-end deception game, including deft shot-fakes for dangerous passes, and uses delay tactics to draw pressure in order to open space. Stockselius is good around the net, and will wade through traffic to get to the crease, but he also has pinpoint accuracy on his wrist-shot- which could perhaps use more power; he displays a solid catch-and-release, and his one-timer is a bullet. Despite playing at a low pace, he manages to be disruptive on the forecheck with his long reach, and exerts a quick short-burst to pick pockets and cause turnovers. His skating is average, but his mechanics are sound, and it could be theorized that most of his mobility issues will be cleaned up as he adds strength to his lower body. He will compete in the trenches for pucks, and can play physically when needed, but he's not a hitter, and he's not particularly intense or aggressive. Stockselius doesn't really drive play, and he often defers to teammates in transition by connecting plays in give-and-go's through the neutral zone, as he's not much of a "pacey" puck-carrier.
Stockselius is actually quite reliable defensively, and is used in all situations- including the PK. In his own zone, he uses an active, well-timed stick, along with exemplary positioning, to disrupt and cause turnovers. He may have a high-end brain, but possesses no real dynamic or flashy skill, and none of his tools are truly above-average. In addition, his low-pace style may not be translatable. I can't see him being picked before the 3rd, or 4th-round of this summer's draft.
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