Noel Skarby (LW, L, 6’0″, 170, HV71 J20, 01/15/2007)
Noel Skarby is a cerebral, pace-driving winger with transitional upside and advanced playmaking habits who has spent the season between HV71’s U20 and U18 levels. His intelligence and mobility allow him to consistently generate offense while playing within structure. Skarby processes the game extremely well and shows traits that project into a North American system—but he will need a significant physical development arc before he can compete with pro strength.
Why Noel Skarby Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Elite Hockey Sense and Processing:
At both the U18 and U20 levels, Skarby consistently shows that he plays ahead of the play. His 89–90% pass completion rate and 2.23 (J18) / 0.33 (J20) completed Grade “A” assists per game are indicators of his spatial awareness, touch, and ability to manipulate defenders. He executes clean give-and-go sequences and has a knack for slipping into soft ice to extend offensive possession.
2) Skating and Mobility:
Skarby has quick acceleration and agile edgework, which make him highly effective in transition and when evading pressure off the rush. He controls pace well, using subtle edgework and puck delays to open lanes, and maintains strong balance despite his lean frame. His ability to handle the puck in motion under pressure makes him a legitimate transition asset.
3) Two-Way Foundation and Versatility:
He’s been used in all situations—on the power play and intermittently on the penalty kill—and shows the game IQ and anticipation to read plays on both sides of the puck. His takeaway rates are excellent (3.4/game in J18, 3.1/game in J20), and he wins a majority of his puck battles at both levels, an encouraging trend despite his lighter frame. He could realistically transition to center down the line.
4) Offensive Play Creation:
Skarby ranks among the most productive playmakers in his age group in Sweden. His 1.44–2.2 Grade “A” chances per game and 12 goals, 27 points in 16 J18 games highlight a dual-threat offensive game. He’s a volume shooter (5.5 attempts/game in J18, 2.1/game in J20) with above-average touch and vision. His 22% conversion rate in J18 confirms his finish when playing against his age group.
Why Noel Skarby Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Needs Significant Strength and Power Development:
At 6’0”, 166 lbs, Skarby is well below the size threshold to compete in the National League right now. He’s frequently hit (0.46 per game in J20) and draws few penalties (0.04/game in J20), which points to a lack of power in his skating stride and an inability to consistently separate or draw contact. His shot rate drops considerably when under pressure, and he’s not yet able to muscle through contact.
2) Inconsistent Shot Threat at Upper Levels:
Despite generating chances, Skarby’s 8% conversion on Grade “A” opportunities in J20 is well below expectation. He lacks shot deception and power—his attempts are clean but often easy to read or block (1.05 attempted shots blocked per game in J18, 0.46 in J20). Until he can consistently beat goalies from range or off the rush, he projects as more of a secondary option at the pro level.
3) Not Yet Driving Play at J20 Level:
While dominant in J18, his J20 production (0.44 PPG, -9 rating) suggests he is still adapting to the higher pace and strength demands of top Swedish junior competition. He’s not physically mature enough yet to consistently influence play against 19- and 20-year-olds, especially in board battles and slot engagements.
4) Turnover Prone Under Pressure:
His giveaway numbers are elevated (5.5/game in J18, 3.1/game in J20) and point to a tendency to over-handle or hold pucks too long under duress looking to make the perfect play. While his IQ allows him to make difficult plays, he still has moments where he tries to force high-skill reads instead of making the simple, possession-maintaining play.
Projection and NHL Outlook
Skarby projects as a long-term upside play—a middle-six winger or hybrid center with playmaking upside, elite vision, and strong detail. He is not NHL-ready in any phase physically, but his tools are built for translation: IQ, puck support, anticipation, and skating. If and when he adds strength and expands his offensive assertiveness (particularly shooting confidence), he could become a sneaky value pick.
Draft Grade: End of 4th–5th Round
This is a player you draft for what he could be, not what he is now. Skarby has a toolkit that fits the modern NHL game, but needs a full development arc—physically and competitively—before he’s ready to challenge for a pro role. He fits best in an organization with time and resources to commit to skill-first prospects with long development runways. He would benefit from a move to North America (USHL or CHL) or a move to NCAA hockey after another year in the J20 before jumping to North American professional hockey.
NHL Projection (with time and patience):
Middle-six, two-way playmaking forward with secondary offensive upside and power play utility.