With their second selection in the 2016 NHL Draft (112th overall), the Los Angeles Kings have added Swedish defenseman Jacob Moverare, who is just 17-years-old and stands 6-foot-2.
Here is what the International Scouting Service had to say in their annual Draft Guide:
Skill: Good size defenseman that plays simple game. Good stick and body positioning defensively. Defender who brings confidence and composure on the puck.
Scouting Report: Moverare is a big body with nice stickwork around his own net and has good focus on the game. Showed some good skills on the puck control, covers ‘the house’ well with his stick work and pokechecks. Solid performance throughout U18 World Championships in Grand Forks. Big strong defender that can be very hard to play against when he is on his game. He logs a lot of minutes for his team and was relied on in every situation. Not flashy but effective and made good crisp outlets. Good positioning in the defensive zone and great use of stick to close separation and cut off lanes.
Director of Scouting, Dennis MacInnis: “Workhorse in all areas of the ice and a minute muncher that never seems to become tired. Love his competitiveness. Seems to relish playing against the opposing team’s star players.”
U.S. Head Scout Phil Myre: “Good size d-man. I liked him a lot in this U18 tournament. He has very good hockey sense, competes in all zones. Takes the body, eliminates opponents in the DZ. Recognizes danger and makes the right play. Forward skating and mobility are fine, needs to improve his first three steps.”
ISS Scout Marc Berry: “Good size defender. Lacks speed and will pivot to his strong side, sometimes away from the puck carrier when he’s caught on the wrong side.”
NHL Potential: Top four, two-way defenseman.
Style compares to: Niklas Hjalmarsson
Interesting note, ISS had him ranked No. 8 overall among defenseman, while they had Kyle Clague (the Kings second round pick) rated No. 12 overall.
Moverare is expected to come to be part of a Team Sweden contingent traveling to the U.S. in late July, where several squads (including Finland and Canada) will participate in a mini-tournament during Team USA’s World Junior Evaluation Camp.
More to come soon, including video links.
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