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With the 27th Pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Phoenix Selects... |
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28. Cristoval 'Boo' Nieves
29. Oscar Dansk
30. Malcolm Subban
Whether Phoenix actually finds a real owner or not, Don Maloney continues to piece together a strong roster without the funds that many other teams have at their disposal. He approaches the podium this year with their lowest first round pick in franchise history.
"Phoenix is proud to select, from Modo of the Swedish Elite League:
Ludvig Bystrom."
As if they had enough high end defensemen.
At six-foot-one and just over 200 lbs, he's not a monstrous defender by any means, by utilizes his strength well. He'll need to continue to add mass to his lower body as he develops and moves towards the NHL game, but it's not an area of concern for the typical "Swedish defenseman."
Showing good mobility, and edgework, in his skating, Bystrom utilizes his head to the best of his abilities. With good gap control, Bystrom keeps forwards honest with a smart and active stick to get in lanes and deflect loose pucks away from danger.
Offensively at times he can jump into the play with his mobility, but has shown some hesitation as he's moved up the ranks in Modo, preferring to play it a bit safer. He's an adept passer and can put the puck right on the tape with relative ease.
As he adds more strength, and continues to increase his confidence playing with men, Bystrom displays the IQ and physical abilities to be a Top Four two-way "steady-as-she-goes" type of defender. He'll really settle down more aggressive defense groups and add a minute munching player for all situations.
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