Arvid Drott (RW, R, 6’0″, 185, Djurgardens J20, 08/11/2007)
Arvid Drott is a physically gifted, compact power-winger who combines a solid frame with speed, agility, and offensive instincts. As one of the younger players in his draft class (August 11, 2007), Drott displays flashes of high-end potential, particularly in net-front battles and corner play. However, there are inconsistencies in his game that need addressing, particularly in his puck management, consistency with competitiveness, and consistency in 50/50 puck battles. With his physical attributes and offensive tools, Drott projects as a second- or third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, with the potential to become a middle-six NHL forward if he refines his game.
Strengths
Size and Athleticism:
At 6’0″ and 185 pounds, Drott has a strong, well-proportioned frame combined with the athleticism that we feel will allow him to effectively carry close to 200-lbs.
He uses his frame effectively to protect the puck and win rebounds in tight areas around the net.
His explosiveness and agility allow him to create space for himself in high-traffic zones, particularly around the net and along the boards.
Offensive Potential:
Drott generates 2.4 grade “A” scoring opportunities per game, showcasing his ability to position himself effectively in dangerous areas.
He is a consistent net-front presence on the power play and utilizes his quick release to capitalize on rebounds and deflections.
Last season’s scoring numbers (44 goals in 35 games at the J18 level) highlight his potential as a goal-scorer.
Puck Retrieval and Anticipation:
Elite anticipation is evident in his ability to retrieve loose pucks after shots (1.71 per game), often turning those recoveries into extended offensive-zone pressure and grade “A” scoring opportunities for himself or his linemates.
He competes hard in forechecking situations, creating turnovers and second-chance opportunities for his teammates.
Physical Play and Versatility:
When the puck is on his stick Drott competes hard along the boards and in corner battles, using his strength and edges to protect the puck and create space.
His ability to operate effectively in bumper and net-front roles on the power play highlights his versatility and willingness to play in tough areas.
Leadership:
Drott is a player who shows a willingness to do the work required for team success. His ability to win puck battles and play physically while the game is on the line shows his desire to win.
Areas for Improvement
Puck Management and Passing:
Drott averages 3.9 giveaways per game, which is far too high for a player expected to handle significant offensive-zone time.
His passing accuracy (82%) is below expectations for a player with his skill level, particularly considering he averages 2:40 per game on the power play.
Competitiveness in 50/50 Puck Battles:
Winning just 39% of his 50/50 puck battles is a significant red flag for a power forward with his size and physical tools. A percentage this low simply does not indicate success at the National League level.
Drott must consistently use his strength and body positioning more effectively to dominate puck battles, particularly in junior hockey.
Scoring Efficiency:
While Drott creates a high volume of scoring chances, he converts on 20% of his grade “A” opportunities. Improving his shooting accuracy, release mechanics and deception will make him a more dangerous offensive player.
Defensive Awareness and Discipline:
Drott’s defensive zone play and overall competitiveness in defensive situations could improve. Simply, he needs to demonstrate greater consistency in positioning and engagement when his team doesn’t have the puck.
Overall Consistency:
Drott’s game tends to come in flashes, and he must work to bring consistent effort and impact over the course of 60 minutes.
Developing greater discipline in his shifts will allow him to be more impactful.
Projection
Arvid Drott has all the physical tools to become a middle-six NHL forward who can contribute in a variety of roles, particularly on the power play and in net-front battles. With continued development in puck management, scoring efficiency, and overall consistency, Drott could project as a scoring winger or complementary power forward in the NHL. His ability to play physically while maintaining offensive upside makes him a tantalizing prospect, though his game needs improvement in shift-to-shift consistency to meet professional standards.
Draft Outlook
We currently have Drott projected as a middle of the second-round or early third-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. Teams seeking a high-upside winger with size, athleticism, and net-front prowess will have him high on their draft boards. His potential to develop into a 200′ forward with offensive flair makes him an attractive option for teams in both a rebuilding phase or with the line-up to win now.
Player Comparison
Jason Zucker: Like Zucker, Drott combines compact strength, speed, and physicality with flashes of offensive skill. Both players excel in the net-front and along the boards but need to refine their consistency and puck management to maximize their effectiveness.
Key Development Goals
Improve 50/50 Battle Success Rate: Focus on using body positioning and leverage to win more puck battles.
Develop better timing and physical engagement in contested areas.
Refine Puck Management: Reduce giveaways by improving decision-making under pressure.
Work on passing accuracy and consistency, especially on the power play.
Increase Scoring Efficiency: Focus on improving shooting accuracy and release speed.
Develop more deceptive shooting techniques to increase conversion rates in high-danger areas.
Enhance Defensive Game: Improve defensive zone awareness and effort, particularly playing with his head on swivel.
Commit to maintaining tight gaps and supporting teammates in all three zones.
Final Assessment
Arvid Drott combines physicality, athleticism, and offensive instincts, making him an exciting prospect. While his inconsistencies in puck management, battle engagement, and defensive play need addressing, his strength, skill, and competitive edge provide a strong foundation for future success. With the right development and focus on refining his game, Drott has the potential to grow into a valuable middle-six NHL forward.
Theo Stockselius (C, L, 6’2″, 181, Djurgardens J20, 07/24/2007)
Theo Stockselius is a big, skilled center with high hockey IQ and excellent puck anticipation. He has the potential to be a highly effective two-way player, utilizing his size, smooth skating, and vision to contribute at both ends of the ice. However, he must significantly improve his physicality, face-off efficiency, and shot generation to maximize his NHL potential. Stockselius projects as a middle-six center at the professional level with the ability to thrive in all situations if he continues developing the areas of his game that currently limit his impact.
Strengths
Hockey IQ and Vision:
Stockselius displays advanced hockey sense by understanding to change angles and speeds while watching his opponent’s head to see where they are looking, allowing him to consistently read the play and making intelligent decisions before anyone else on the ice.
He completes 88% of his passes, with nearly one pass per game (0.99) leading directly to a teammate’s grade “A” scoring opportunity. This showcases his ability to create offensive chances for his linemates.
Puck Anticipation and Retrieval:
Stockselius retrieves 1.93 loose pucks per game after shots, an elite metric that highlights his strong anticipation and ability to read the play in both the offensive and defensive zones.
His ability to recover pucks and maintain possession adds valuable offensive zone time for his team.
Scoring Efficiency:
While Stockselius generates a modest 1.29 grade “A” scoring chances per game, he converts on 28% of these opportunities, demonstrating a high level of finishing ability when given a chance.
Size and Frame:
At 6’2″, Stockselius has the size and length to be a physical presence. While he doesn’t yet fully utilize his size, the foundation is there to become an effective power forward-type center with strength development.
Skating and Mobility:
Stockselius moves well for his size, with smooth strides and the ability to transition quickly between zones. His skating enables him to contribute effectively in transition and support the puck defensively.
Areas for Improvement
Physicality and Engagement:
Stockselius averages just 0.25 hard body checks per game, which is far too low for a player of his size and strength. He needs to develop a more assertive physical presence, especially in board battles and the defensive zone.
Winning only 50% of his 50/50 puck battles is not sufficient for a center of his stature. He must improve his ability to use his frame to outmuscle opponents consistently.
Face-Off Efficiency:
Winning just 46% of his face-offs is a notable weakness for Stockselius, especially given his elite anticipation skills. He must improve his technique and strength in the dot to take on key face-off responsibilities at higher levels.
Shot Generation:
Stockselius attempts just 2.5 shots per game, which is too low for a player with his offensive skill set. He needs to become more assertive in shooting opportunities and look to attack the net more frequently.
While he has a strong finishing percentage, his lack of shot volume limits his overall offensive impact.
Turnover Ratio:
Averaging 4 giveaways per game is a concern, especially for a player with his level of puck skill and passing ability. He needs to clean up his decision-making under pressure and reduce unnecessary turnovers.
Special Teams Impact:
Stockselius plays limited time on the penalty kill (0:22 per game), which is an area he could develop further to add versatility to his game. Becoming more defensively reliable and involved on special teams will increase his value at the professional level.
Projection
Theo Stockselius has the tools to develop into a reliable middle-six, two-way center in the NHL, capable of contributing on both special teams and at even strength. His size, vision, and hockey IQ make him an enticing prospect, but he must address key areas such as physicality, face-off consistency, and shot volume to maximize his potential. With the right development path, Stockselius could emerge as a versatile and dependable player in various situations.
Draft Outlook
We currently have Stockselius as a late-first to early second-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. Teams looking for a high-upside, intelligent center with size and playmaking ability will have him on their radar. However, his draft stock could rise or fall depending on his ability to address the identified deficiencies in his game over the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
Player Comparison
Joel Eriksson Ek: Stockselius’s size, defensive awareness, and offensive instincts are reminiscent of Eriksson Ek. Both players exhibit strong hockey IQ and the ability to play a responsible, two-way game while leveraging their size and mobility.
Key Development Goals
Increase Physical Engagement: Focus on using his size more effectively in puck battles, forechecking, and defensive zone play.
Face-Off Improvements: Spend time developing face-off technique and strength to become a reliable option in the dot.
Shoot More Frequently: Become more assertive in generating shots, both at even strength and on the power play.
Refine Turnover Management: Improve decision-making under pressure to reduce giveaways and maintain offensive zone possession.
Expand Special Teams Role: Develop penalty-killing skills to add versatility and demonstrate defensive reliability.
Final Assessment
Theo Stockselius’s combination of size, vision, and puck anticipation gives him the foundation to succeed at higher levels. While his lack of physical engagement and low shot volume are areas of concern, his offensive tools and hockey sense indicate strong potential. If he addresses these weaknesses, Stockselius could grow into a dependable middle-six NHL center who excels in both offensive and defensive situations.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images