Filip Holst-Persson (C, L, 5’11”, 161, Lulea HF J20, 10/09/2006)
Filip Holst-Persson, at 5’11”,160-pounds, presents a strong case as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft due to his combination of elite skating, offensive instincts, and commitment to both ends of the ice.
Strengths:
- Skating & Agility: Holst-Persson is an excellent skater, boasting a powerful stride and superb edgework. His ability to pivot and use his edges to evade defenders is exceptional, allowing him to consistently create space for himself, especially in tight areas. His speed is an asset both offensively and defensively, where he excels at closing gaps and recovering quickly.
- Offensive Playmaking: He’s a highly intelligent playmaker, demonstrated by his strong vision and ability to complete 90% of his passes, often finding teammates in dangerous areas. His 1.2 slot passes per game highlight his ability to create high-quality scoring chances. He’s not afraid to shoot either, with 4.1 shot attempts per game, and he shows determination in getting his shots through traffic.
- Hockey IQ & Game Processing: Holst-Persson consistently makes smart decisions on the ice, both with and without the puck. His awareness of time and space stands out, and he positions himself well, especially on the power play, where his anticipation leads to opportunities. His 3:50 of average power play time shows that coaches trust him in key offensive situations.
- Compete Level & Work Ethic: A strong two-way player, he shows a high level of engagement on both ends of the ice. His willingness to track back hard and contribute defensively, despite his primary offensive role, is a testament to his complete-game approach.
Areas for Improvement:
- Physical Development: At 160 pounds, Holst-Persson will need to continue adding strength, particularly to improve his puck battles and overall board play. His current 48% success rate in 50/50 battles shows room for growth as he matures physically, and his faceoff win percentage (45%) also suggests that additional hand and core strength would benefit his game.
- Defensive Details: While Holst-Persson is committed to playing in his own end, his penalty kill time time on ice (0:41) suggests that his defensive details are still developing. He’ll need to continue defensive play without the puck, particularly in terms of positioning and anticipation when defending high-skill forwards.
- Consistency in Traffic: Although willing to engage in high-traffic areas, Holst-Persson will need to prove that he can handle physical pressure at higher levels. His ability to play through contact is solid but will need to be a focus as he progresses toward professional competition.
Key Areas to Track:
NHL organizations should closely track the following key areas:
- Physical Development & Strength:
- Weight Gain & Core Strength: Monitor if he adds muscle mass to improve his ability to handle physical play. An increase from 160 pounds towards 175-180 would be ideal for his frame.
- Puck Battles: Watch his success rate in 50/50 situations. Improvement from his current 48% will indicate enhanced strength and ability to win possession in high-traffic areas.
- Board Play & Net-Front Presence: See how he handles pressure along the boards and around the crease, particularly against bigger, stronger competition.
- Defensive Zone Play:
- Penalty Kill Usage: Track if he earns more ice time on the penalty kill, demonstrating a stronger defensive awareness and commitment.
- Positioning & Reads: Evaluate his ability to anticipate plays in the defensive zone, close gaps quickly, and make effective breakouts under pressure.
- Consistency Against Physical Pressure:
- Play Through Contact: Assess how he navigates physical defense, particularly when trying to maintain possession or when retrieving pucks in tough areas.
- Ability to Create Offense in Tight Spaces: Watch if he continues to generate offense in traffic, and how he adjusts his play when time and space are limited.
- Shot Selection & Efficiency:
- Shot Accuracy: Track his shot-to-goal ratio, particularly in high-danger areas, to see if he improves his 2.6 shots on goal per game. His ability to increase scoring chances while maintaining quality will be crucial.
- Power Play Contributions: Evaluate how he quarterbacks or contributes to the power play, focusing on shot generation and passing in key situations.
- Faceoff Improvement:
- Faceoff Win Percentage: If he continues to take faceoffs, improvement from his current 45% success rate will be important, especially as he faces more mature competition.
Projection:
Holst-Persson projects as a highly skilled, two-way forward with top-six potential at the NHL level. His skating, hockey IQ, and offensive creativity make him an attractive prospect, particularly for teams looking for dynamic wingers who can play in all situations. With further physical development and focus to his defensive game, he has the potential to be a standout at the next level. For the 2024/25 season, scouts will closely monitor his strength gains and consistency in playing through contact, as well as his ability to contribute more heavily in defensive situations.
Photo Credit: Logo Courtesy of Lulea HF