After seeing Freij dominate the bronze medal game I rewatched the Canada-Sweden semi to make sure I wasn’t giving him too much credit for beating up on lesser team. He was great against Canada too. The ice was tilted when he was on it. He (and Petterson up front too) was able to get where he wanted and drive o from back end without allowing much against. I am tempted to move him into top 10. His upside is absurd, but with even normal progression I think he becomes top 4D. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is gone by our pick.I went back and watched the last two games of the tourney. Was out of town for them. Freij was arguably the best player on the ice. Defensively and offensively he shined. The handling, passing, and shot selection. Net front (did well but surprised), closing gaps, and transition. I don’t see where a Greentree, Connelly, or Nygard are a better pick. He may produce more than they do. He was flying on the rush when he turned on the jets. See some Josi in his game.
Thanks. After top few Russians I think you still downgrade them both because lack of international competition limits heads-up matchups to view and also because you have less control on their post-draft development so that adds to risk. There can be real value in some of those guys, but that is why I don’t rank them as high (it’s a risk adjustment).That’s a solid list. Not big on the Russian mid tier guys?
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