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Christopher Ralph The Hockey Writers

Published on Wednesday, May 25, 2016

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Jonathan Dahlen – The Next Ones: 2016 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Jonathan Dahlén 

2015-16 Team: #54, Timrå IK, Allsvenskan

Date of birth: 1997-12-20

Place of birth: Östersund, SWE

Ht: 5’11”   Wt: 176 lbs

Shoots: L

Position: C/LW

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2016 1st year eligible

Twitter: @JonathanDahlen

THW The Next Ones Ranking (Midterm): 38

Other Rankings

Jonathan Dahlén, MacGyver on Ice 

Jonathan’s father, Ulf, was an industrial, intelligent forward who played nearly one thousand NHL games, who just happened to resemble MacGyver in appearance. This Dahlen resembles MacGyver on the ice. He can create offense, often out of nothing. He’s a consistent, creative forward with a dangerous arsenal of shots at his disposal. He especially possesses a heavy snapshot. Jonathan also is adept at knowing where to be on the ice, at the right time.

Dahlen was the top scorer on Timra this season, a team that was not exactly blessed offensively. He was especially impressive to close out his season with 19 points in the last 18 games he played, playing against men, including 6 goals in 5 playoff games. To put in perspective, his team only scored 12 goals total in the playoffs. Though only numbers, his production in the Allsvenskan is extremely impressive, especially when stacked up against others who have played in this league at a similar stage of development – Filip Forsberg and Andre Burakovsky, for instance.

His skating has been a debate in some circle. Some describe his style as awkward. Nonetheless, he is great on his edges, elusive, agile, and deceptive. His speed and skating improved as the season went on.

He has some growing to do defensively, but he is a competitive player all over the rink. He battles hard and is effective on the forecheck. Like his father, he is a highly intelligent player, with superior hockey sense. Dahlen is a definite gem in this draft class.

NHL Draft Projection

He’s likely to get snagged in the second round, but do not be surprised if he sneaks into the latter part of the first round. If he falls out of the first two rounds, chalk him up as an absolute steal.

Probable range: 25 to 45

 

[2016 NHL Draft Guide: The Next Ones]

 

Quotables

“A superb offensive player with a knack for goal-scoring, Dahlen has four goals in his past two playoff games as Timra fights for promotion to the top-tier SHL. Ulf Dahlen’s son boasts sick hands, great creativity, and a sharp release.”  

– Ryan Kennedy, The Hockey News

***

 “Dahlén is a constant threat for defenders with his great vision, agility, puck skills and quick and accurate wrist shot. He developed greatly during this season and I think he can be a surprise first round pick that turns out well.”

– Jimmy Hamrin, Hockey Prospectus

Statistics

Regular season: 51 GP, 15 G, 14 A, 29 Pts, 8 PIMs
Playoffs: 5 GP, 6 G, 1 A, 7 Pts, 2 PIMs

 

Strengths

  • Shot: especially heavy snapshot
  • Hockey IQ
  • Intelligence
  • Creativity
  • Consistency
  • Plays close to mistake-free
  • Work ethic
  • Agile skating ability

 

Under Construction (Improvements to Make)

  • Strength, physical play
  • Continued improvements to his defensive side of the game

NHL Potential

  • Top 6 Forward
  • His style is somewhat reminiscent of Jeff Skinner

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk = 1.5/5   Reward = 4/5                     

 

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offensive = 8/10   Defensive = 6.5/10

 

Awards/Achievements

  •  J20 SuperElit (Overall) Most Points by U18 Junior 2014/15

 

Interview/Profile Links

 

Videos

(Reminder: He’s #54)

 

Shots From the Slot (Interesting Notes)

He can possibly  follow in the footsteps (skates) of Filip Forsberg and Patrik Berglund by going directly from Allsvenskan to the NHL, without making an appearance in the SHL. (Stick tap to THW’s David Carlsson)

 

Check out THW’s quintessential draft resource:

2016 NHL Draft Guide: The Next Ones


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