Oscar Holmertz (C, L, 6’0″, 189, Linkoping J20, 03/21/2008) Oscar Holmertz is a 6’0′, 189 lb left-shot center who has produced at a strong rate in U20 (13-23-36 in 34 games). He is a skilled, possession-driven playmaker, but I feel his projection to the NHL will depend on whether his offensive creativity and tendencies can translate at NHL pace and North American physicality. A true plus, his game is consistent. He is a smart, fluid skater with quick hands and vision, capable of driving offense through the neutral zone and quick decision-making at the offensive blueline. He has a 92% pass completion rate and 0.94 pre-shot passes per game, generates3.6 shot attempts and 2.0 grade ‘A’ chances per game show he can generate for himself and his linemates. He plays a reliable, well-rounded game with contributions on both special teams (3:08 PPT, 0:58 SHT), and his 53% puck battle win rate and strong stick (3.4 takeaways/game) show a level of competitiveness and detail that has improved from earlier viewings when he relied more heavily on skill and a high risk game. However, the concerns lie in his translatability to the National League. As impressive as it is that he has played SHL games, he has yet to register a point in 11 SHL games, and while his junior production is consistently solid, it is not dominant for a player whose value is tied to offense. He is not physical (0.13 hits/game) and does not consistently battle at the net-front, and while his first touch is generally clean, he can still be pressured into mental mistakes at higher speeds. He lacks a true separating tool at the pro level as his skating is efficient but not elite, and his shot, while effective, is still developing which puts pressure on his hockey sense to carry his projection. Ultimately, Holmertz projects as a potential middle-six NHL center with added pace, strength, and the ability to execute under pressure, as his intelligence and playmaking foundation are legitimate, but without those gains he risks becoming a depth, complementary forward at the pro level. I feel he is a mid-second round draft candidate whose NHL outcome will be determined by how well his skill translates against stronger, faster competition.