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Lean Bergmann | C
Ryan Carpenter | C
Cole Cassels | C
Alexander Chmelevski | C
Sasha Chmelevski | C
Mikael Granlund
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Forward
STRENGTHS
Offensive IQ: Not only is Granlund is a crafty playmaker, but he also recognizes when he’s better off pulling the trigger himself. He displays a great feel for the space around him and soft hands in tight. If a more direct approach is called for, he’ll gladly muck it up in the slot and serve as the net-front presence.
Compete Level: He will never shortchange you in effort. Whether he’s battling in the trenches, tracking back on defense or laying out for a desperation block, Granlund empties the tank in service of the team. He even throws the body more often than many big-name two-way forwards do.
Versatile: He can play either center or wing, switching between dictating and facilitating the action. Moreover, he can assume a scoring role or claim tougher defensive assignments if necessary. He’s a true plug-and-play asset. You probably don’t want him taking important draws, though.
WEAKNESSES
Size: At the end of the day, he’s a 5’10”, 185-pound forward. As such, there are limits to his impact. He can struggle with large players in puck battles along the boards and in front of the net. Holding on to the puck with defenders bearing down on him can be difficult as well.
Passive: Granlund has shown glimpses of absolute brilliance throughout his career. Unfortunately, he hasn’t built on those. He just does his job instead of taking over games with his skill, savvy and relentlessness. If he never fulfills his potential, it will be due to this passive attitude rather than a lack of top-end talent.
