Jesper Bratt
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Forward
STRENGTHS
Skating: Bratt is an effortless skater who possesses the pace to stretch and even get behind defenses on a regular basis. It’s no coincidence that he’s been one of his team’s best transitional forwards since his arrival in the league. He’s also elusive, using strong edge work to slip by opponents in the trenches.
IQ: In addition to his pure talent, he’s a clever offensive threat who sees the ice well. He knows how to shake free and displays a great sense of where his teammates are at all times. As a dual threat, he doesn’t rely too heavily on one approach, which opens up a world of possibilities on the attack. If the game is tight, he’ll also head to the slot in search of clean-up opportunities.
Confidence: While he’s not a star just yet, he has serious faith in his abilities. This is evidenced by his willingness to challenge defensemen one-on-one. He uses his quick hands and speed changes to deceive opponents in open ice. He also has a habit of embarrassing goaltenders on breakaways.
WEAKNESSES
Size: Bratt works hard, but he’s often outmatched physically. His 5’10”, 175-pound frame prevents him from imposing his will along the boards and in front of the net. Adding some mass would help him turn from a primarily transitional threat into a well-rounded weapon.
Inconsistent: Some nights, he looks like the best player on the ice. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to string those outings together, often deferring to his teammates instead of grabbing the bull by the horns. He has the skill to be a top-six staple, but he has to offer more than flashes if he’s to ever fulfill that potential.
