Gustav Hillstrom (C, R, 6’2″, 176, Brynas IF, 01/20/2007)
Gustav Hillstrom is a right-shot, two-way center with NHL size, pro habits, and a polished defensive game. While he lacks a dynamic offensive toolset or elite production profile, Hillstrom consistently displays mature, translatable traits that project favorably into a match-up penalty killing NHL role. He brings a steady, structured presence to the middle of the ice, excels in the faceoff circle, and processes the game at a high level—both on and off the puck. While his SHL impact is currently limited due to deployment, he’s a strong candidate to earn trust at higher levels over time due to his intelligence, positional discipline, and possession habits.
Case For Drafting Gustav Hillstrom:
- Reliable, Responsible Two-Way Center with NHL Frame
At 6’2”, Hillstrom uses his length effectively to win positioning battles and control the low slot. He wins 62% of his faceoffs in J20 and 53% in limited SHL duty, which is notable for a young player in pro minutes. He’s consistently above the puck defensively, supports well in all three zones, and shows great habits on retrievals, puck support, and neutral zone tracking. - Elite Passing Touch and Play Connection
His 93% pass completion rate in the J20 Nationell is exceptional, and his 1.6 passes per game that lead to a teammate’s grade “A” chance shows that he sees the ice and finds passing seams under pressure. He’s not a flashy playmaker, but he is efficient, intelligent, and makes the right reads consistently. - Game Awareness and Puck Anticipation
Hillstrom is elite in terms of processing and body positioning. His 3.0 loose puck recoveries per game, 4.2 takeaways, and high defensive zone reads—both in J20 and in limited SHL minutes—highlight his anticipation, spatial awareness, and feel for timing. He’s rarely out of position and excels in small-area reads. - Translatable National League Toolkit
The combination of defensive detail, intelligent puck movement, strength on draws, and support play gives Hillstrom a path to NHL minutes as a reliable 200′ center. He isn’t reliant on scoring to impact games and plays a “coach-trusted” style that will translate to penalty kill minutes, late-game matchups, and heavy D-zone starts as he matures.
Case Against Drafting Gustav Hillstrom:
- No True Offensive Driver Traits
Despite the minutes and role he plays at the J20 level (18+ minutes per game with heavy special teams usage), Hillstrom averages just 2.9 shot attempts and 1.85 shots on goal per game—very low output for a top-line forward. His SHL offensive rates are even more modest: 0.69 shot attempts per game, 0.31 on goal. These are clear indicators that he is still developing shot generation ability. - Limited Physical Engagement Despite Size
Though he has the frame, Hillstrom averages just 0.57 hits per game in J20 and 0.15 in the SHL. That’s simply too low for a 6’2” player in a middle-six center projection. He shows willingness to engage positionally and does well in puck battles (50% win rate J20, 65% SHL), but he doesn’t consistently impose himself physically and is still working to grow into his frame. - Concerns with High-End Skill or Pace vs Top Competition
In 12 international games between U17s and the Hlinka-Gretzky, Hillstrom has just two points. He’s shown little pop or separation ability against top peers, and without a standout skill (speed, shot, hands, etc.), there’s risk that he gets outpaced at higher levels offensively. He profiles as more of a play-connector than a play-creator. - Low Upside Projection
Hillstrom’s game may top out as a smart, safe, low-event center. He does many things well, but doesn’t bring a standout tool or disruptive element. His ceiling is likely that of a bottom-six NHL center until he makes significant strength, power and pace gains.
Projection & Recommendation:
NHL Projection: Match-up center who kills penalties, takes key draws, plays final minutes to protect leads
Draft Grade: End of 2nd to 3rd Round
Comparable: Isac Lundestrom
Final Recommendation:
Draft Gustav Hillstrom in the 2nd-3rd rounds if organizational need includes a long-term center with defensive awareness, faceoff reliability, and elite processing habits. While he doesn’t project as a scorer, his translatable defensive game, passing ability, and intelligent support play give him a real chance to have a career at the NHL level in a key utility role. If he can grow into his frame, continue adding pace and create a physical presence, he could outperform his draft slot as a versatile, trusted middle-six contributor.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images