Oliwer Sjostrom (D, L, 5’10”, 176, Lulea HF J20, 04/08/2007)
Oliwer Sjostrom, a 5’10”, 175-pound left-shot defenseman, has emerged as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft due to his exceptional skating ability, high hockey IQ, and versatility on both ends of the ice. Despite being undersized by NHL standards, Sjostrom’s intelligence and skill set make him an attractive option for teams looking for a dynamic, puck-moving defenseman. Here’s a breakdown of his strengths and areas for improvement:
Strengths:
- Hockey IQ and Decision-Making: Sjostrom consistently demonstrates a high level of hockey intelligence. He excels at reading plays and making quick, smart decisions under pressure. Whether facing an aggressive forecheck or transitioning out of the defensive zone, Sjostrom showcases an ability to anticipate and quickly process the game, which allows him to make accurate and timely plays. His ability to consistently outmaneuver opponents, either by skating the puck out of danger or making crisp, tape-to-tape passes, highlights his strong decision-making.
- Skating and Mobility: One of Sjostrom’s most notable strengths is his skating. He is fluid on his edges, showing impressive lateral movement and acceleration that allow him to win races to loose pucks and evade forecheckers. His quickness and agility make him difficult to pin down, enabling him to escape pressure situations and start breakouts efficiently which is the NHL game. Sjostrom’s ability to transition smoothly from defense to offense with his skating while the puck is on his stick is a key factor in his game.
- Puck Handling and Passing: Sjostrom is a reliable puck handler, especially in transition. He handles the puck with confidence, and his passing ability is a standout aspect of his game. With an 86% pass completion rate, he consistently makes strong, accurate passes that help his team maintain possession and create offensive opportunities. Sjostrom’s quick decision-making with the puck allows him to be a key contributor to his team’s breakout and transition game.
- Defensive Reliability and Transition Play: Despite his smaller frame, Sjostrom is an effective defender. He is quick to strip opponents of the puck and immediately transitions into offense, turning defensive plays into counter-attacks. His positioning is sound, and he plays a responsible game in his own end, ensuring that he is not caught out of position. He also contributes on the penalty kill, which speaks to his strong instincts and trust from the coaching staff.
- Competitiveness and Battle Level: Last season Sjostrom won 62% of his 50/50 puck battles, which is an impressive indicator of his competitiveness and willingness to engage physically despite his size. His determination and effort in battles for possession are key components of his game. He is not easily deterred by physical play and continues to push for puck control in all areas of the ice.
Areas for Improvement:
- Size and Physical Play: At 5’10” and 175 pounds, Sjostrom is undersized for a defenseman at the NHL level. While he compensates with his skating and intelligence, adding strength and muscle mass will be critical for him to handle the physical demands of professional hockey. Increasing his physicality, particularly in terms of delivering hits (currently at 0.5 hits per game) and absorbing contact, will be important as he progresses. He currently receives 0.83 hard hits per game, which is a significant amount for a defenseman playing on an Olympic sized sheet.
- Offensive Production: Although Sjostrom is reliable in the offensive zone, his shot generation could be more consistent. He averages 3.3 shots per game, with 30% of his shot attempts hitting the net. To increase his impact offensively, improving his shot accuracy and getting more of his attempts on goal will be crucial. Additionally, he currently averages only 0.1 Grade-A scoring opportunities per game, which suggests that he could be more aggressive in creating high-danger chances from the blue line.
- First Touch and Puck Reception: While Sjostrom is an excellent passer, he could improve his first touch when receiving passes or retrieving pucks off the boards. His solid passing percentage (86%) could be even higher if he becomes more consistent with his first touch. Refining this aspect of his game will enhance his ability to maintain possession and make quicker decisions under pressure.
- Special Teams Contribution: Sjostrom’s power-play time, averaging just 34 seconds per game, is a potential area of concern for a defenseman of his caliber. NHL scouts will be watching to see if he can develop into a more consistent power-play contributor, utilizing his vision and puck-moving ability to quarterback a power-play unit more effectively. Improving his offensive impact and confidence in these situations will make him a more versatile option for teams.
Outlook:
Oliwer Sjostrom is a highly intelligent, mobile defenseman who projects as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. His combination of skating, puck handling, and decision-making makes him a modern defenseman capable of thriving in the transition game of taday’s NHL. While his size may present challenges, his hockey IQ and competitive nature help mitigate these concerns. As he continues to develop, scouts will be looking for him to add physical strength, improve his offensive production, and refine his ability to handle the rigors of professional hockey. With continued development, Sjostrom has the potential to be a valuable two-way defenseman at the NHL level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images