Prospect Info: Rasmus Asplund (2016, 33rd) –- Loaned to Vasteras (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Ace

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Oct 29, 2015
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Rasmus Asplund (2016, 33rd) – '15-16: Farjestad #26 (SHL)

Great pick.
 

Chainshot

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McKeens ranked 23rd:

Asplund has been a highly valued member of Sweden’s national programs since the age of 14. He was the captain of the Swedish U-16, U-17 and
U-18 teams, and all as an ‘underager’, captaining Sweden’s U-18 team at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Tournament at the age of just 16 years and seven
months. “He’s a skilled two-way center, very responsible defensively,” said one crossover scout. “The only real drawback is that he’s a little small, but he
plays bigger than his size.” Asplund stepped into the first-line center role for Sweden at the U-20’s when William Nylander went down and did not look out of place, holding opposing centers Sebastien Aho, Brayden Point and Auston Matthews pointless in three crucial head-to-head matchups.

“He uses strong skating abilities, smarts, and a quick stick to shut down opponents.” added the same scout. “It’s no surprise that he played regularly in the SHL all season.” Asplund will likely wear a letter at next year’s U-20 and be expected to play an even bigger role in both that tournament, and on his club team Farjestads.

“It may take him a couple of years before he’s ready to compete in North America, but he’ll play,” said one scout. “He’ll fill a top-three center role.”
 
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Ralonzo

Я хочу!
Nov 6, 2006
15,897
6,970
Virginia
Meh. Didn't really stand out to me in what I saw of him, and to trade up to get him. Had to have been rated much higher by the org than other players, since this is the least of the organizational depth needs. Seems medium floor, low ceiling.

At least Sabres didn't pick some guy from the Voskresensk Ice Yaks, like pick #31
 

Chainshot

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Future Considerations: Ranked 26th

STRENGTHS: Asplund is a classic, hard-working, two-way centerman who can handle all types of situations in the game. His top speed is impressive and generated by a long stride for a smallish player. He moves well in all directions. Asplund uses his good timing and anticipation in combination with his speed, creating breaks up ice. His speed seems to surprise goalies as he get on the goalie quickly and has the hands to make a move to beat them. Despite his stature, he protects the puck well and does not fear contact. Asplund is a very skilled center who isn´t afraid to drive to the net and create some offensive chances in front of the opposition’s cage. He makes good passes in traffic with big D-men all over him.

Asplund makes some beautiful give-and-go plays on the rush, passing the puck off to a short option, exploding into an open lane and receiving the pass back. The kid can absolutely fly down the wing when he gets moving, and is a threat when he gains some momentum and confidence in his game. Asplund commands the ice in transition and while in possession, making opponents back off with some slick hands and skating, pushing them back. He is dangerous as both a finisher who can snap a nice wrister into the top corner or as a playmaker who finds his targets through seams. He shows impressive awareness and good coverage in the defensive zone. Asplund has a willingness to work hard defensively before moving the puck up ice. He will take a hit to deliver the puck. He blocks shots and takes a lot of responsibility upon himself. Asplund has killer agility and a deadly first step that he uses in conjunction with his active stick and vision to cut all sorts of time and space on the penalty kill. He works hard all over the ice, is very grounded, brings a steadying influence to his team and earns the respect and trust of his coach.

WEAKNESSES: Asplund isn’t a high-end offensive generator, but is just a solid two-way contributor. He will do the job as a distributor of the puck if put with a goal-scoring winger, but will not be that flashy, high-octane running-mate on a team’s top line. He is a nice two-way center, but his offensive upside at the NHL level is a question. Asplund is a bit undersized and physically weak; he will need to add plenty of strength both in his legs and upper body before even dreaming of the NHL. He looks to be a little shaky in the faceoff circle, not being physically mature enough to tie up the opposing center and work through to draw the puck back. Overall, if he can mature in his thinking of the 200-foot game and add some strength, Asplund will find a role at the NHL level.

SCOUT’S QUOTE: “A skilled two-way forward with good hands and a nose for the net. He doesn’t hesitate to go to the net, despite his average size and strength. Asplund has been getting better and better during the season, and had a real solid WJC, which gave him added confidence. Was a part of Farjestad’s best line during the end of the season.”

NHL POTENTIAL: Middle-Six Two-Way Center
 

VictorLustig

Registered User
Feb 8, 2012
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I actually like Asplund more than his long time teammate Joel Eriksson Ek who was picked in the first round last year. Stylistically he's very similar to Henrik Zetterberg, but it's of course unlikely that he ever becomes that good.
 

Chainshot

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Iss:

35. Rasmus asplund
farjestad - swee
position: C
born: Dec 3/97
height: 5.10.5
weight: 176
size/strength average
skating very good
puck skills very good
shot good
offensive play very good
defensive play good
physical play average
competitiveness very good
hockey sense excellent
strengths:
1. Hockey iq
2. Play-making ability
3. 200 ft game
weaknesses:
1. Lacks size
2. Physical game
complete iss reports: 34
skill:
Smart two-way forward who plays well on and off the puck.

Scouting report:

Skilled, creative center with good play-making ability. Asplund consistently keeps his feet moving and provides good versatility and strong minutes. He was one of the more reliable, consistent forwards from game to game for the swedes at the 2016 wjc. Pass first type of player and has the ability to make everyone around him better. He plays a 200-foot game and doesn’t take any short cuts in any zone. Remains active off the puck driving into the slot to draw in defenders and create room for his linemates to get pucks on net. Good first steps to create space for himself with speed. Does not have ideal nhl size. Can get pushed around.
Iss scout o. Lahdesmaki: “highly intelligent and skilled playmaker. Good stride and edge use allow him gain separation to make plays. Smart and effective creating turnovers. Reads the play well defensively.”
iss scout a. Steen: “takes a lot of responsibility, plays center like a veteran. Battles hard not always winning 1/1 battles but the effort is there, one play ahead in both ends.”
nhl potential: Top 6 forward who can play just about any role in the lineup.
 

Ace

Registered User
Oct 29, 2015
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Two very intelligent hockey players drafted so far. Put them on a line together at dev camp and let's go
 

Paxon

202* Stanley Cup Champions
Jul 13, 2003
29,000
5,162
Rochester, NY
If Asplund pans out he's exactly what you want to be able to plug into a good team X years down the road on an ELC. It allows you to walk away from someone else with a higher cap hit. Gotta be able to rebuild your checking line and secondary offensive players.
 

Push Dr Tracksuit

Gerstmann 3:16
Jun 9, 2012
13,219
3,293
I like a guys with all the mental tools, good skill, who needs muscle. That's a guy you can work with. Building back some good depth into the system.
 

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