Oliwer Sjostrom (D, L, 5’10”, 176, Lulea HF J20, 04/08/2007)
Oliwer Sjostrom is an intelligent, mobile two-way defenseman who plays with pace, with his eyes up and in control. Despite being undersized for the pro level, Sjostrom consistently handles top-pair minutes in Sweden’s J20 Nationell and has earned SHL exposure with Lulea HF. His skating, poise under pressure, and puck-moving efficiency are his defining traits. While he is not physically imposing and his shot remains a limitation, his transitional upside, defensive zone reads, and decision-making profile as a player who can impact NHL pace and possession metrics with continued development.
Why He Should Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- Smart, Reliable Defender Who Thinks the Game at a High Level
Sjostrom routinely wins 57% of his 50/50 puck battles and averages 8 takeaways per game, which is elite for a defenseman in any league, let alone an undersized one. He positions his body well, keeps his stick active and in lanes, and takes time and space away with balance and control. He has only 0.2 penalties drawn per game, but rarely takes them himself, showing discipline and control in retrieval and containment situations. - Elite Puck Movement and Possession Management
He completes 89% of his passes, and 1 per game leads directly to a teammate’s Grade “A” scoring opportunity—a top-tier number. He’s not flashy, but his pucks are flat, accurate, and made with purpose. He’s equally effective on the breakout, in transition, or working the offensive blue line. His footwork allows him to walk the line, shift laterally, or delay until lanes open, which makes him a calm zone exit and entry facilitator. - Defensive IQ and Gap Management Are Advanced
Sjostrom defends the rush with poise and structure. His Hlinka-Gretzky Cup performance and J20 Nationell season consistently showed that he squares up early, maintains an excellent stick, and closes with body position rather than brute strength. He averages 1.15 blocked shots per game, impressive considering he’s rarely out of position and reads plays before they develop. - Impactful in Limited Offensive Touches
Though he only averages 0.25 Grade “A” chances per game, he scores on 43% of those chances, a staggering efficiency rate that reflects his ability to jump into soft ice and pick his spots. He picks his moments and rarely wastes time or space when given a clean look. - International Pedigree and Leadership
He wore an “A” for Lulea’s J20 team and tied for the team lead in scoring among defensemen for Sweden’s U18 national squad. He’s trusted in every situation, including penalty kill, late-game defending, and first pass breakouts.
Why He Might Not Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- Undersized for a Defender Without a High-End Offensive Ceiling
At 5’10”, 178 lbs, he’s already on the small side for the NHL blue line. Unlike other smaller defenders who drive offense or skate pucks through layers, Sjostrom plays a safer, more structured game. That’s fine at junior or international levels, but unless he bulks up or adds a dynamic offensive gear, his lack of size may limit his NHL ceiling. - Shot Is a Liability from the Blue Line
He attempts 3.4 shots per game, but only 1.39 hit the net, with 1.05 blocked and 0.95 missing wide—those numbers are the type that will end a National Hockey League career before it even gets started. Whether it’s release deception, shooting lane recognition, or shot selection, this is a hole in his game that prevents him from being a reliable offense generator at his current level and beyond. - Too Many Giveaways in His Own End
His 4.7 giveaways per game stand out, particularly given his otherwise high passing percentage. When pressured, especially on hard forechecks in his own zone, he defaults to plays that put teammates at risk or fail to relieve pressure effectively.
Projection:
Sjostrom projects as a bottom-four NHL defenseman who can contribute to a second penalty kill unit, drive zone exits, and support high-skill forwards through smart puck movement and mistake-free hockey. His offensive ceiling is limited, but his ability to control pace and limit mistakes will give him a shot.
Draft Recommendation:
Late Round Pick (Rounds 5–7)
Sjostrom is a draft-worthy prospect based on his intelligence, mobility, and consistency alone. He’s not flashy, and his shot won’t wow, but in a development-focused organization, he could evolve into a dependable, puck-moving third-pair NHL defenseman who plays mistake-free minutes and quietly drives possession. He’s a bet on hockey sense and execution over tools.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images