People often seem to forget that the NHL draft is not only about the first round. Gems can often be found in the later rounds as well as the early ones. A good example of a team finding these gems is the Detroit Red Wings, who managed to draft their duo of Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk in the 6th and 7th rounds of their respective drafts. Anyways, the Leafs were never good at drafting, but in the 2013 draft, they might have found a potential gem. This player was Andreas Johnson.
Johnson has gone somewhat under the rader since he joined the Leafs organization. He plays in the Swedish league, so it's difficult to get reports on how is game is looking across the pond. The Gavle, Sweden native has been a consistent scorer in his consecutive seasons with Frolunda HC of the SHL.
In his draft, year, he recorded 54 points in 42 games for Frolunda HC J20 of the SuperElit league, and then went on to record 24 points in 44 games for the big club. In his most recent season, he put up 35 points in 55 games. Johnson will more than likely stay with Frolunda for one more season, and then make the jump to the AHL and play for the Marlies next year. That being said, he could also take the route that fellow prospect William Nylander took and join the Marlies mid-season, but it's hard to tell right now.
POSSIBLE NHL CEILING: 2ND LINE SCORER
Andreas Johnson possesses all the tools to become an effective scorer in the NHL, but only if he's handled right development wise. The Leafs are not going to rush their prospects like they have in the past, and will likely give Johnson at least one or two years with the Marlies before giving him a shot at the NHL team. If treated right, Johnson could become a dangerous scorer in the NHL, given his quick hands and blistering shot.
PROSPECT GRADE: B+
You can't really say that the Leafs got a steal in the young Swede, but he's certainly performing far better than a 7th rounder should. This grade seems appropriate for Johnson, given his performance since being drafted.
What do you think, Leafs fans? Should Johnson be ranked higher, lower, or is he good at #6? Weigh in below.
Thanks for reading.
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