Justin Lowe: Will He Make the Team: Victor Ejdsell
It was down to Nashville, Chicago and Detroit for Victor Ejdsell in April of 2017 when he was looking to sign as a free agent that would eventually take him to the NHL.

The undrafted 6'5 Swedish centre opted to sign with the Predators shortly after watching them walk over and complete the sweep in game 4 vs. the Blackhawks.

First!!

First!!
- ratpackid

No. I'm a better first so, I'm first. Your first sucks.

Go first.

If he makes the team as a RW, I wouldn’t mind seeing him get a chance with Toews and Saad. I know Q had mentioned Saad with 8 & 88, but I can’t help but think Ejdsell’s skills would be a good fit with Toews.

Great write up and analysis of Ejdsell, JL. I don't recall how he was in face offs but if he can be anywhere near 50% on FO's, I think he has a decent enough 200' game to be a 3rd line center and maybe allow Anisimov to move to LW with Schmaltz and Kane given his familiarity with those two and the net front presence he brings (assuming, of course, Saad stays with Toews). I could see Ejdsell centering for Sikura and Kahun on the 3rd line with Kahun providing FO support if needed.

If he makes the team as a RW, I wouldn’t mind seeing him get a chance with Toews and Saad. I know Q had mentioned Saad with 8 & 88, but I can’t help but think Ejdsell’s skills would be a good fit with Toews.
- Chunk

That could be a great spot for him. He's good at protecting the puck and he might be able to get that cycle game going with those 2.

Great write up and analysis of Ejdsell, JL. I don't recall how he was in face offs but if he can be anywhere near 50% on FO's, I think he has a decent enough 200' game to be a 3rd line center and maybe allow Anisimov to move to LW with Schmaltz and Kane given his familiarity with those two and the net front presence he brings (assuming, of course, Saad stays with Toews). I could see Ejdsell centering for Sikura and Kahun on the 3rd line with Kahun providing FO support if needed.
- FourOrr

Thanks FourOrr.

Ejdsell went 20-60 (33%) in his short stint with the club. He's been good in the past in Sweden, so I think it would only be a matter of time before he got used to NHL centremen. How good could he end up being at the dot? Who knows.

I've played around with AA on LW as well but I don't think it would be smart on a couple levels.

1) he is a legit C when you put his 42% FO aside. The Hawks need strength up the middle and Anismov provides a solid 2-way game. I'm not ready to slide him to LW yet.

2) ... and maybe most importantly... moving him to W would severely hurt his trade value. As a C who can play 200-feet and put up 20 goals... he has some value to teams (maybe even come February at the deadline).

Still waiting for that Traverse City roster... but Scott Powers has mentioned that Boqvist and Dylan Sikura will be on the team in recent articles/tweets.

The Hawks should have a strong team as they enter as the defending champs of this tourney.

Thanks FourOrr.

Ejdsell went 20-60 (33%) in his short stint with the club. He's been good in the past in Sweden, so I think it would only be a matter of time before he got used to NHL centremen. How good could he end up being at the dot? Who knows.

I've played around with AA on LW as well but I don't think it would be smart on a couple levels.

1) he is a legit C when you put his 42% FO aside. The Hawks need strength up the middle and Anismov provides a solid 2-way game. I'm not ready to slide him to LW yet.

2) ... and maybe most importantly... moving him to W would severely hurt his trade value. As a C who can play 200-feet and put up 20 goals... he has some value to teams (maybe even come February at the deadline).
- Justin Lowe

Fair enough. Also having three rookies on the third line could be a recipe for disaster. So perhaps Kahun, Anisimov and Sikura?

It's been so long since I've seen him play that I can't recall his game but I like his numbers, so, yes. He makes the starting roster.

The good thing is the hocks are all getting some much needed rest this year and we all know that, not playing hockey makes you a better hockey player.

Go rest.

Still waiting for that Traverse City roster... but Scott Powers has mentioned that Boqvist and Dylan Sikura will be on the team in recent articles/tweets.

The Hawks should have a strong team as they enter as the defending champs of this tourney.
- Justin Lowe

I don't think he does Justin....

and, I too, anxiously await the Traverse City roster.....let's have it....c'mon!!!

Vegas odds to win the west or cup and a few forecasting sites have the Hawks chances of making the playoffs at around 1 in 6.....

Can't argue with that logic. This roster as of today is pretty bad.

My guess is that Ejdsell starts the season in Rockford but gets called-up mid-season. I don't know if he'll be the first call-up, that will depend on who else gets sent down (i.e. Hayden).

The Hockey News ranked each team's #1 d-man, some interesting rankings:

#1 Karlson - I would have put Hedman there (he was #2)
#5 Seth Jones - he's good, but that seems a bit high
#10 Ekblad - good, but too high
#14 Kingberg - I would have rated him much higher
#22 Duncan Keith - probably realistic
#30 Leddy - travesty, he should easily be in the top 3 or top 5

https://thehockeynews.com...m_source=MASTER-All_Users

The Hockey News ranked each team's #1 d-man, some interesting rankings:

#1 Karlson - I would have put Hedman there (he was #2)
#5 Seth Jones - he's good, but that seems a bit high
#10 Ekblad - good, but too high
#14 Kingberg - I would have rated him much higher
#22 Duncan Keith - probably realistic
#30 Leddy - travesty, he should easily be in the top 3 or top 5

https://thehockeynews.com...m_source=MASTER-All_Users
- DarthKane

I would agree on hedman.


Keith at 22 seems high given his age and rapid decline. Would have to see who's behind him.

Going to be a long year baring a last second major trade (unlikely). What will be interesting is to see how this team spins Crawford starting next month after all their BS at the draft only to be negated by the athlete himself.

If he makes the team as a RW, I wouldn’t mind seeing him get a chance with Toews and Saad. I know Q had mentioned Saad with 8 & 88, but I can’t help but think Ejdsell’s skills would be a good fit with Toews.
- Chunk

Would have to respectfully disagree with you! IF he makes the team and IF he is slotted top 6, I would put him on Kaner/Schmaltzy's line. One thing we know know is that he can make plays at the AHL level and that he is not up to NHL-speed yet. That said, let him play with Kaner and be the 3F man trailer because Kaner can slow down the play with his skill and patience, then make the right play. Also if puck is down with possession, he is a big enough body to plant himself in front of net. Additionally, with Ejdsell's background as a trained center he would understand the D component of being the 3F and being responsible and slow down/blunt any transition counter.

I would agree on hedman.


Keith at 22 seems high given his age and rapid decline. Would have to see who's behind him.

Going to be a long year baring a last second major trade (unlikely). What will be interesting is to see how this team spins Crawford starting next month after all their BS at the draft only to be negated by the athlete himself.
- SteveRain

Ristolainen
Tanev
Chara
Vatenen
Nurse
Weber
Green
Leddy
Shattenkirk

Would have to respectfully disagree with you! IF he makes the team and IF he is slotted top 6, I would put him on Kaner/Schmaltzy's line. One thing we know know is that he can make plays at the AHL level and that he is not up to NHL-speed yet. That said, let him play with Kaner and be the 3F man trailer because Kaner can slow down the play with his skill and patience, then make the right play. Also if puck is down with possession, he is a big enough body to plant himself in front of net. Additionally, with Ejdsell's background as a trained center he would understand the D component of being the 3F and being responsible and slow down/blunt any transition counter.
- D2D

If guys like Ejdsell and Hayden make the team I doubt it will be in the top 6, but I've been wrong before.

Locked in the top 6 are Toews, Kane, Saad, Schmaltz and DeBrincat, that leaves one opening. my money would be on Sikura and Kahun getting first dibs on that chance. Should they fail then maybe guys like Ejdsell and Hayden get a shot. There's always an outside chance that Fortin or Higmore grab the spot too, but I think that's even less likely.

Ristolainen
Tanev
Chara
Vatenen
Nurse
Weber
Green
Leddy
Shattenkirk
- DarthKane

Weber is debatable when healthy.....

I think Ejdsell doesn't make the team out of camp. While he may get a call up or two this season, I don't think he sticks until next season.

IMHO, at least out of the European free agents (I know, Ejdsell was acquired in a trade but he was originally a free agent, i.e. not drafted), Kahun and Nilsson have better chances at playing significant time this year.

Ejdsell is still a tad raw and could use a full year under Colliton. Kahun and Nilsson are experienced in comparison and both could fill needed roles. Kahun could be a playmaking 2-way center who can win draws while Nilsson could play the gritty checking grinder.

Weber is debatable when healthy.....
- SteveRain

Most overrated D-man in recent memory...IMO.

Great write up and analysis of Ejdsell, JL. I don't recall how he was in face offs but if he can be anywhere near 50% on FO's, I think he has a decent enough 200' game to be a 3rd line center and maybe allow Anisimov to move to LW with Schmaltz and Kane given his familiarity with those two and the net front presence he brings (assuming, of course, Saad stays with Toews). I could see Ejdsell centering for Sikura and Kahun on the 3rd line with Kahun providing FO support if needed.
- FourOrr

Edjsell got moved to wing in Rockford for a few reasons - defensive responsibility and being poor in transition being the top two imo. He also wasn't good at battling / staying in front of the net, despite his size. Edjsell performed better when allowed to roam more in-zone and was better on the rush when he wasn't the one carrying - better as the trailer for the shot. Not saying he couldn't play center but that he broke out in Rockford because he was much better at wing, specifically LW.

From what I was reading from past Preds blogs, Edjsell wasn't consistently a center in the SHL either - it seems like he was center in Allsv and prior but played more at wing once moved up to the SHL. Most weren't sure if that was because of his play or because HV71 has enough centers.

Fair enough. Also having three rookies on the third line could be a recipe for disaster. So perhaps Kahun, Anisimov and Sikura?
- FourOrr

I agree, if Sikura and Anisimov aren't playing top 6, I'd prefer they form a 3rd line with Kahun.

The question is then would be who plays wing in the top 6 with Toews, Kane, Saad, Schmaltz, and DeBrincat?

I agree, if Sikura and Anisimov aren't playing top 6, I'd prefer they form a 3rd line with Kahun.

The question is then would be who plays wing in the top 6 with Toews, Kane, Saad, Schmaltz, and DeBrincat?
- AEL_Fox

I think that's the ideal situation:

Kane, Toews, Schmaltz, DeBrincat and Saad in the top 6.

Kahun, Anisimov and Sikura on the third line, although I could see one of Kahun and Sikura getting a shot at the top 6. If they do I would slot Hayden on the third line.

On the 4th like I would guess Kruger and Kampf are almost a lock. Kunitz will be on the 4th line or the 13th foward. Maybe Ejdsell fits in here, but I would rather see another defensive minded forward.

I think that's the ideal situation:

Kane, Toews, Schmaltz, DeBrincat and Saad in the top 6.

Kahun, Anisimov and Sikura on the third line, although I could see one of Kahun and Sikura getting a shot at the top 6. If they do I would slot Hayden on the third line.

On the 4th like I would guess Kruger and Kampf are almost a lock. Kunitz will be on the 4th line or the 13th foward. Maybe Ejdsell fits in here, but I would rather see another defensive minded forward.
- DarthKane

Agree, Sikura and Kahun get first crack at the top 6 to fill that open wing spot. If one of them makes it (my money is on Sikura), then yes, Hayden gets a shot at 3rd line wing. Possibly Kampf but I like him as a center.

Then there's the focus of this blog, Ejdsell, but I don't see him getting into the lineup until much later in the season.

Fortin, Highmore, Martinsen, and Johnson could push for bottom 6 spots as well.