Mikkel Eriksen (C, L, 5’11”, 187, Farjestad BK J20, 09/13/2007)
Mikkel Eriksen is a highly productive two-way forward who plays a heavy, detailed game and projects as a bottom-six NHL player with middle-six upside. He is a reliable, versatile center with translatable habits, including a strong motor, high-end puck anticipation, above-average passing touch, and a shoot-first mentality. His production (22G, 43P in 40 GP) is no fluke—he finds scoring areas consistently (1.97 SC/game) and generates chances without cheating the game. While Eriksen is not overly dynamic or explosive, he is well-rounded and competes in all three zones, making him a safe bet to earn trust at higher levels.
Why Mikkel Eriksen Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Strong Offensive Habits with Proven Goal Scoring Touch
Eriksen led Farjestad BK in goals (22 in 40 GP) and was second in points, thanks in large part to his consistent shot volume (4.1 shots/game) and elite ability to get into scoring areas (1.97 SC/game). He scores in a variety of ways—off the rush, net front, and as a bumper or shooter on the power play. His 14% scoring chance% is sustainable given his offensive IQ and release mechanics.
2) Smart, Responsible Center with Faceoff Experience
He averaged 18:20 TOI/game with 3:17 PPT and light penalty kill usage — high trust in offensive and situational roles. He also took a healthy number of draws (12 FO/game, 50% win rate), giving him potential center/wing versatility. While he may need to build strength to stay at center at the pro level, his foundation is already in place.
3) Playmaker with Underrated Vision
Eriksen has a passer’s mind, consistently identifying soft seams and delivering clean pucks to high-danger areas. His 1.3 pre-shot passes/game is impressive, especially on a team where he wasn’t the primary puck distributor. His 88% pass completion reflects strong puck management, anticipation and vision.
4) Elite Puck Anticipation and Detail
Few forwards at the junior level anticipate play as well as Eriksen. He consistently shows strong recovery skills (2.3 loose puck recoveries/game) and tracks pucks intelligently. His game reads allow him to consistently recover from missed chances, gain inside ice, and drive possession. His 5.2 GA/game is high, but it’s a byproduct of high usage and constant puck involvement.
5) Competitive Motor, Winning Habits
He draws penalties (0.29 PEA/game), competes for pucks (12 50/50s/game, 51% win rate), and isn’t afraid to absorb contact. He’s not a punishing hitter (0.78 H+/game), but he uses his frame effectively to protect the puck and lean into defenders without compromising play speed or puck skill. He finished +1 on a team with a -16 floor — steady 5v5 play.
Why Mikkel Eriksen Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Lacks Elite Pace or Dynamic Skating Gear
While Eriksen is mobile enough to be effective at the J20 level, he doesn’t possess a separating gear or high-end agility. His skating is serviceable but will need to improve in terms of both first-step quickness and acceleration to remain effective in NHL transition play.
2) Limited Defensive Sample & No PK Trust
Despite his anticipation and details, he only logged 0:03 SHT/game — simply his coaches didn’t view him as a trusted penalty killer. If he’s going to be a bottom-six NHL center long-term, he’ll need to show more impact away from the puck against top competition and be more of a momentum changing forechecking presence.
3) Not Physically Dominant Despite Playing Heavy
Eriksen battles and leans on players well, but his 0.78 hits given and 0.57 hits received rates indicate that he doesn’t yet impose himself physically. He wins battles by smarts, not by raw strength or explosiveness and those are areas that need to be developed for success at the National League level. Without development this will limit his ceiling as a true energy player or penalty killer.
4) Shot Selection and Efficiency Needs Work
He needs to improve how and when he shoots—0.78 SBL/game and 0.91 S-/game are both too high — poor shot selection or slow shot release timing. Better puck decisions with the puck in the offensive zone could further increase his effectiveness.
Projection & Fit
Player Type: Smart, competitive, two-way forward with goal-scoring instincts and center/wing versatility
NHL Projection: Middle-six NHL forward with 2nd power play usage and defensive zone responsibility potential
Fit: Ideal for a team that values hockey sense, discipline, and role versatility
Draft Recommendation: 3rd–4th Round
Mikkel Eriksen is a steady, mature player whose production is driven by translatable habits and hockey sense. He may not have the flash of others in this range, but he plays a winning brand of hockey and should climb steadily with physical development. He’s a plug-and-play center or wing option for a team that needs detail, secondary scoring, and compete.