Canucks Profile: Mats Fröshaug

Originally published at: http://insidehockey.com/columns/1855

Mats Fröshaug may not hail from Sweden, but he has all the makings to be yet another Thomas Gradin discovered late-round steal nevertheless. Although born in Oslo, Norway, Fröshaug has played with Linköping HC in the Swedish SuperElit junior circuit over the past two seasons. Playing in Sweden helped Fröshaug garner the attention of Vancouver’s Swedish scout Thomas Gradin, and in turn, helped him get selected by the Canucks in the sixth round at the recent NHL entry draft. And Fröshaug couldn’t have been more pleased.

“I was of course very happy and proud to be drafted by the Canucks,” said the 6’2”, 198 pound center/left winger. “I had talked with some teams, but I felt like Vancouver was the most interested in the end.”

He was right. However, Fröshaug isn’t about to make a knee-jerk reaction and let his initial wave of thrill induce him to make the move over to North America immediately to perhaps play in the AHL or NHL.

“I’ve spoken to Vancouver’s Swedish scout (Thomas Gradin) and we talked a little about [coming over to play in North America], but I’ve got a contract with Linköping now and all my focus is on them this season,” said Fröshaug, who will make the jump to the Swedish Elite League next season. “I had a pretty good season last year and everything went really fast so it’s important for me that I practice hard and be smart so I can keep on progressing in my career.”

Linköping HC assistant coach Magnus Hävelid – the older brother of Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Niclas Hävelid – agrees that it would benefit Fröshaug if he stayed in Sweden at the present moment, as his time in the country has already proved invaluable in the development of his overall game.

“I think he should stay in Sweden at least this season; he has to play regularly in the elite league, so he gains experience for the future,” said Hävelid, who is unaware what Vancouver’s plans are for their new prospect’s future. “During the two seasons he has been in Linköping, he has taken a huge step forward in all parts of the game.”

Fröshaug’s stats corroborate his coach’s sentiments. This past season with the Linköping junior squad, Fröshaug recorded 36 points (18-18-36) in 35 games, earning the most points by a foreigner award. By comparison, Mattias Tedenby – who was drafted in the first round by the New Jersey Devils in the same draft – recorded 30 points in 25 games with HV71 of the junior circuit last season. Assuming Tedenby’s point per-game average remained consistent, he would have merely recorded six more points than Fröshaug in the same amount of games, and yet, Fröshaug was selected five rounds later.

Hävelid would like to see Fröshaug’s defensive game progress next season; however, as illustrated with his statistics, the Norway native certainly possesses the pure skills offensively to contribute at any level.

“Mats is very skillful with the puck in the offensive part of the game,” said the assistant coach, who was confident that Fröshaug would be drafted based on his conversations with scouts. “He is quick in small areas, very good one against one and reads/sees the ice very well.”

Fröshaug acknowledges that he’s learned plenty playing against the stiffer competition in Sweden, but still has some areas in his game with room for improvement.

“I think I have learned a lot [playing in Sweden],” he said. “I’ve been working hard with my defensive play and I’ve tried to be more aggressive on the ice. I’ve been told that I have to use my body more and take some more shots every game.”

According to coach Hävelid, one aspect in Fröshaug’s game that doesn’t need any work is his approach off the ice. Despite being overly calm and quiet, Fröshaug is an exemplary teammate and consummate professional.

“He is very positive and friendly,” said Hävelid, who coached Fröshaug in the junior circuit. “The team comes before himself and his teammates like him very much. As a coach, you like to work with him, because he wants to develop all the time.”

And by all accounts, he continues to do so. Not only has Fröshaug’s play in Sweden facilitated his rapid growth as a hockey player, but also his international play with Norway. Fröshaug represented Norway at the World Under-18 Hockey Championships, and the U20 World Junior Championships, both on two separate occasions. He recorded seven points in five games at the 2007-08 World Junior Championships, where many scouts began to take notice.

However, Fröshaug most recently represented Norway at the 2008 World Hockey Championships in Halifax and Quebec. His ability to hold his own against the international hockey power houses that are Canada and Finland, among others, cemented his position as a draft worthy prospect. But the upcoming draft was not on his mind when Fröshaug was doing battle with his country mates.

“It was a huge experience for me; I was really surprised when I made the team,” said Fröshaug. “It was also huge to qualify for the quarter finals. That’s the first time ever for Team Norway I think.”

Fröshaug began skating at the age of four in Manglerud, Oslo; however, he didn’t join an organized team until his ninth birthday. He suggests that hockey was an “easy choice” for him because his family enjoyed the sport and all of his friends played it. As it turns out, hockey was a pretty good choice too. Even growing up in Norway, Fröshaug was always an NHL enthusiast.

“Every young player who loves hockey watches the NHL,” he said. “It’s the best league and you can learn a lot just by watching it on TV.”

Fröshaug admits that he doesn’t know much about the current Vancouver Canucks; though, after looking at the roster, he is familiar with the majority of the team. Additionally, he has his own personal insider who resides within Canuck Nation.

“My grandpa lives in Vancouver so he has told me a few things about the team also,” said Fröshaug. “I visited him when I was about three years old, but I don’t remember much from that time, so it would be really nice to visit Vancouver again.

A visit would be nice, but most Canucks fans would much rather prefer a permanent relocation.

“I’m still young and have lots of things to work on before I even can dream of playing in the National Hockey League, but hopefully some day I can put on a Canucks jersey,” said Fröshaug.

The Canucks are hopeful of the same thing. Linköping HC assistant coach Magnus Hävelid may not be hoping for that just yet, but he is certain that some day Mats Fröshaug will be a contributor at the National Hockey League level.

“I’m a strong supporter of Mats and think he definitely will be a good elite player in our league in the future,” he said. “He is a very skillful player, so why not [the] NHL?”

A question that the Canucks trust there is no answer to. And given that their trust is in Thomas Gradin, they’re probably right.

Farhan Devji is the author of a hockey based novel, “The Hockey Farmer.” For more information, visit thehockeyfarmer.ca.tp.

2008 NHL Mock Draft

Originally published at: http://insidehockey.com/columns/1800

1. Tampa Bay Lightning: Steven Stamkos – Center

Quite simply, Steven Stamkos (as seen on right) is beyond any doubt the best player in this year’s draft class. He’s the most skilled, the fastest, the most complete, the most mature, and the most NHL ready. Look for Stamkos to join the Lightning next season and make an immediate impact.

2. Los Angeles Kings: Drew Doughty – Defense

The Kings are said to be in the market for a defenseman, so this pick is a toss-up between Doughty and Zach Bogosian. Doughty was one of the top defensemen in the OHL this past season, and since then, he has lost around 20 pounds, clearly demonstrating his drive to play professional hockey. The Kings feel that the upside with Doughty may be slightly better than that with Bogosian.

3. Atlanta Thrashers: Zach Bogosian – Defense

The Thrashers were well aware that they’d end up with one of the elite defensemen of this year’s draft, and they are thrilled to end up with this native of Massena, New York. Bogosian offers precisely what the Thrashers are looking for: a big physical defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the rink. May be ahead of Doughty in terms of NHL readiness.

4. St. Louis Blues: Alex Pietrangelo – Defense

The Blues were very interested in Kyle Beach and Luke Schenn, but feel that Pietrangelo would ultimately prove to be the more suitable selection. Pietrangelo is perhaps the best puck moving defenseman in the draft, and the Blues believe that both his physical and defensive game are rapidly emerging.

5. New York Islanders: Nikita Filatov – Left Wing

Nikita Filatov is the consensus second best forward in the draft, and the Islanders aren’t the least bit worried about the lack of a Russian transfer agreement, as Filatov has clearly demonstrated his eagerness to do whatever it takes to play in the NHL.

6. Columbus Blue Jackets: Luke Schenn – Defense

After losing shutdown defenseman Adam Foote, the Blue Jackets are overjoyed to select Luke Schenn, who has the capacity of becoming the second coming of Foote. Schenn is without question the best defensive defenseman in the draft, and may be able to step in and contribute immediately.

7. Toronto Maple Leafs: Cody Hodgson – Center

Just like the Blues, the Maple Leafs were very interested in acquiring the services of Kyle Beach, and also displayed interest in Mikkel Boedker and Colin Wilson, but in a pick that could very well define this franchise moving forward, they opt for the hometown hero Cody Hodgson. A great character kid who may never lead the league in scoring, but could very well have a Mats Sundin-like impact on the Leafs.

8. Phoenix Coyotes: Mikkel Boedker – Left Wing

The Coyotes considered taking a gamble on defenseman Tyler Myers, but ultimately can’t pass up on a player of Boedker’s offensive talent. Boedker is one of the most dynamic forwards in the draft, and his addition will lessen the pain of Blake Wheeler’s departure. The Coyotes also considered trading down to select Joe Colborne.

9. Nashville Predators: Colin Wilson – Center

The Predators are delighted that Wilson is still on the board at ninth overall, as they had him higher on their list. Colin Wilson will prove to be the top two center that the Preds are lacking, and is physically the most NHL ready player in the draft.

10. Vancouver Canucks: Kyle Beach – Center/Left Wing

Beach (as seen on left) is undoubtedly one of the most talented forwards in this year’s draft, and with several ties to the Everett Silvertips organization, the Canucks are convinced that he does indeed possess the character required the excel at the next level. With the unfortunate passing of Luc Bourdon, the Canucks also displayed interest in defensemen Colten Teubert, Tyler Myers, and Luca Sbisa, in addition to forwards Zach Boychuk and Joshua Bailey, but feel that Kyle Beach will emerge into an all-around impact player.

11. Chicago Blackhawks: Tyler Myers – Defense

With a well balanced crop of prospects in the system, the Hawks are equipped to take a gamble on Myers, who is considered to be a work in process. Myers’ raw potential is evident, and the Hawks are prepared to wait and let his potential come to fruition. The Hawks would like to bring in some size with their first round selection, and at 6’ 7”, Myers does just that.

12. Anaheim Ducks: Colten Teubert – Defense

The Ducks are disappointed that Kyle Beach isn’t on the board at 12th overall, but are content with their selection of Teubert – who Brian Burke and the Ducks’ brass believe has the potential to become a Chris Pronger-like player, with a little less to give offensively. Also considered drafting Zach Boychuk and Luca Sbisa.

13. Buffalo Sabres: Joshua Bailey – Center

If Josh Bailey wasn’t available at 13th overall, the Sabres would have been prepared to trade down, but he’s the guy they wanted to obtain, and they are pleased that they did. Bailey is a solid two-way play-making center who the Sabres feel is a tad bit underrated.

14. Carolina Hurricanes: Zach Boychuk – Center

The Canes were tempted to use their first round selection to pick CJAHL player of the year Joe Colborne, but feel that Boychuk possesses a similar offensive upside, with more of an all-around game. Also displayed interest in Luca Sbisa, but weren’t prepared to draft a defenseman with their first round selection. The Canes’ tendency of drafting from the WHL continues.

15. Nashville Predators: Luca Sbisa – Defense

With the overabundance of defensemen in the system, the Preds strongly considered selecting skilled offensive forwards Joe Colborne or Mattias Tedenby, but they feel that at 15th overall, Sbisa is the best player available.

16. Boston Bruins: Joe Colborne – Center

After having agreed to terms with power forward Blake Wheeler, the Bruins were tempted to select a defenseman with their first-round pick, but they feel that Colborne is eerily similar to Joe Thornton, and due to the addition of Wheeler, they are willing to let him develop at the University of Denver.

17. Calgary Flames: Mattias Tedenby – Left Wing

“We want to take an offensive forward” were the words spoken by Flames director of scouting Tod Button in a recent interview, and there’s not much doubt that this diminutive Swedish forward is the best offensive forward left on the board. Despite his size, the Flames are confident that Tedenby has the tools to be a successful top six forward.

18. Ottawa Senators: Chet Pickard – Goaltender

If the Senators aren’t able to move up in this year’s draft, it’s a distinct possibility that they’ll use their first round selection to select Pickard – who has drawn many comparisons to Carey Price. The Sens were also interested in defensemen Erik Karlsson, Michael Del Zotto, and John Carlson.

19. Columbus Blue Jackets: Erik Karlsson – Defense

The Jackets would have loved to see forwards Joe Colborne or Mattias Tedenby slip to the 19th pick, and also displayed some major interest in Michael Del Zotto, Jordan Eberle, and even Zac Dalpe, but they feel that this puck-moving Swedish defenseman is the best player left on the board.

20. New York Rangers: Michael Del Zotto – Defense

While Del Zotto may not fill the immediate needs of the Rangers, they believe that with some improvements in his defensive zone coverage, he has the potential to become a top two defenseman. The Rangers also considered selecting feisty defensemen John Carlson and Tyler Cuma, along with forwards Jordan Eberle and Greg Nemisz.

21. New Jersey Devils: John Carlson – Defense

The Devils find it difficult to pass up on Jordan Eberle, a pure goal scorer who would better suit their needs. But in a draft full of top notch defensemen, they opt to select the homegrown talent in Carlson, who they had much higher on their list.

22. Edmonton Oilers: Jordan Eberle – Center

With solid all-around depth in the system, the Oilers go for the player with the most offensive upside. Eberle, who is listed as a center but can also play the wing, is one of the smartest offensive players in the draft, and could very well end up being an outright steal at 22nd overall. The Oilers have stated that they aren’t concerned about size with their first round selection.

23. Washington Capitals: Anton Gustafsson – Center

Gustafsson to Washington is the perfect fit, and not because he’s the son of former Capital Bengt Gustafsson. This 6’ 2” Swedish center is a talented two-way player, who would fit in nicely as the third line center on a highly skilled Capitals roster. Gustafsson could have a similar impact on the Caps that Jordan Staal has on the Penguins.

24. Minnesota Wild: Jake Gardiner – Defense

The Wild are said to be in the market for a defenseman, and at 24th overall, they feel that this Minnesotan is the best left on the board. The Wild consider Gardiner to be one of the best skaters in this year’s draft, and they believe that Jacques Lemaire will be able to help him with his (at times) questionable decision making.

25. Montreal Canadiens: Nicholas Deschamps – Center

The Canadiens are ecstatic that this native of Lasalle, Quebec is ripe for the pickings at 25th overall. The Canadiens also considered selecting Greg Nemisz to bring in some size down the middle, but they feel that Deschamps has much more potential to become an impact offensive player down the road.

26. Buffalo Sabres: Tyler Cuma – Defense

The Sabres were hoping that goaltender Chet Pickard would have still been available at 26th overall, and considered drafting goaltender Jacob Markstrom to address a week position with their second first-rounder, but they feel that Cuma is the best player left on the board, and would bring some much needed toughness to the blue line.

27. Philadelphia Flyers: Colby Robak – Defense

Just like the Sabres, the Flyers showed interest in goaltender Jacob Markstrom, but they feel that Robak’s size, coupled with his above average skating, will make him a serviceable top four defenseman in the years to come.

28. Los Angeles Kings: Kirill Petrov – Left Wing

With a grand total of 15 picks in this year’s draft, and after selecting a sure thing in Drew Doughty at second overall, the Kings are willing to take a risk with this skilled Russian winger. There’s no denying that Petrov is one of the most skilled forwards in the entire draft class, but unlike Filatov, he hasn’t shown much interest in leaving Russia.

29. Atlanta Thrashers: Greg Nemisz – Center

After filling one of their needs of a blue-chip defender at third overall, the Thrashers are overjoyed to fill another one at 29th overall, as they acquire some size and scoring punch up front with Nemisz. Nemisz is a big power forward with a big time shot, and would fit in nicely with the Thrashers’ surplus of skilled forwards.

30. Detroit Red Wings: Tyler Ennis – Center/Left Wing

With no glaring needs in the system, the Wings opt for the most skilled forward left of the bunch. The Wings have shown absolutely no hesitancy selecting diminutive forwards in the past, as long as they possess the skill required to shine at the next level, and at 5’ 8”, Ennis certainly does. After finding success in Darren Helm, the Wings once again nab a gem from the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL.

Farhan Devji is the author of a hockey based novel, “The Hockey Farmer,” available and described at cacoethespublishing.net.