NILS LUNDKVIST (RD)
Two noticeable things at first glance to me concerning Lundkvist are that he he’s not a big player, and relating to that, for a sub 6 ft defenseman his skating power is a little on the average side, specifically in his separation ability off his first strides. While I know some scouts regard his skating more highly than me, and his form is clean and in full stride he can get going through the NZ, his acceleration could improve. But he works around it, and assuredly much of it will come down to bulking up. I don't view it as something that can't be improved; after all, he's one of the younger players in his draft class.
My impression at the u18 tournament was that Lundkvist plays a very clean 3-zone game in position and decision-making. His hockey sense is standout excellent; he rarely leaves himself exposed out there with or without the puck. He’s efficient, with quality d-zone instincts and good compete, with his body or his stick, in the trenches for a smaller player. His defensive game, ES and PK, is a real strength, and that tended to be more his role for Team Sweden.
He might lack for great offensive upside, but he can handle himself and will rather frequently trail rushes, even lead the odd one. His transition ability as a passer (or even in the cycle game) is a noticeable plus too. He’s more of the smart, efficiency, quick-reads mold. But I did see Lundkvist flash more at the u18s, especially after Boqvist got injured over the final 2 games and a need arose. He does possess smooth skills with the puck and makes good offensive decisions where it might be a bigger strength than he always let on. At worst, it's an above-average component of his game. Even some creativity (though they didn't lead to goals) showed more as the tournament progressed into the later stages. When he received PP time, I actually was impressed at his ability to QB a unit and whip pucks around quickly. Sometimes, despite both being righties, he and Boqvist would play on the PP together. Lundkvist didn't just blend in either. I read a comment by Hockey Prospect that mentioned mixing up Boqvist and Lundkvist at times, and while that's pretty harmless and normal for two similarly sized right handed defensemen, there were several times I had to catch myself mistaking #7 (Lundkvist) for #3 (Boqvist) in making plays with the puck. He's not close to Boqvist in raw talent, make no mistake. But that he's a high floor, smaller 2-way defenseman with perhaps some hidden potential is a thought I have.
