Theodor Hallquisth (D, R, 6’1″, 175, Orebro HK, 06/14/2007)
Theodor Hallquisth is a big, poised, and physically engaged right-shot defenseman who plays a reliable, three-zone game. He combines his size and strength with a strong hockey IQ and puck-moving ability, making him a highly impactful presence from the backend. While Hallquisth is not an offensive defenseman, his vision, positional awareness, and puck-distribution skills allow him to contribute meaningfully in transition and support his team’s attack. His physicality and defensive reliability are his greatest strengths, but continued growth in his offensive impact and skating explosiveness will be key areas for development as he prepares for the next level.
Strengths:
Physical Presence:
Hallquisth plays with a controlled but imposing physical edge, delivering 1.15 hard body checks per game. His strength and positioning allow him to win 55% of his 50/50 puck battles, making him effective in defensive-zone engagements and net-front battles.
His willingness to absorb contact (receives 0.55 hard checks per game) to make plays under a heavy forecheck demonstrates his composure and win-first mentality.
Puck Distribution and Vision:
Hallquisth’s passing ability is a standout strength. Completing 91% of his passing attempts, he consistently makes smart, accurate outlets to initiate the offensive transition.
His ability to create offensive chances through his distribution is notable, with 1.53 of his passes per game leading directly to grade “A” scoring opportunities.
Defensive Poise:
Defensively, Hallquisth excels at using his positioning, stick, and body to disrupt plays. His 7 takeaways per game highlight his ability to anticipate and process the game quickly.
He clears dangerous areas by utilizing his size and leg drive to establish and hold his position in front of the net or along the boards.
Skating Mechanics:
Hallquisth’s stride is long and fluid, suggesting he can add muscle and weight without compromising his mobility.
His balanced edges and clean footwork allow him to handle transitions with a tight gap and the lateral mobility to end rushes in the neutral zone.
He shows excellent puck-handling control, especially with unpredictable bounces, due to his soft bottom-hand grip and ability to use his feet with out disrupting his stride.
Three-Zone Awareness:
Hallquisth plays a mature and structured game in all three zones. He positions himself well to intercept plays defensively, supports his teammates in transition, and demonstrates good decision-making at the blue line in offensive situations.
Areas for Improvement
Offensive Contributions:
While Hallquisth is a reliable puck distributor, his offensive production has been limited. With only 0.13 grade “A” scoring opportunities per game, we would like to see him develop a more aggressive mindset in the offensive zone and when joining the rush as the second layer to the attack.
His shot generation must improve; his 2.2 attempted shots per game are modest, and only 1.05 reach the net doesn’t translate to higher levels.
We feel that changing to a more assertive mindset will enhance his value on the power play and in 5-on-5 play.
Explosiveness and Mobility:
Although his stride is smooth, Hallquisth is still developing explosive acceleration. Focused strength and conditioning on his lower body and a detailed sprinting program will help address this.
Physical Strength and Endurance:
At 6’1″ and 172 lbs, Hallquisth has a solid frame but needs to add muscle and mass to maximize his effectiveness while battling and defensive-zone engagements.
Increased strength will also improve his ability to handle the rigors of the NHL game.
Offensive Instincts:
Hallquisth shows potential with his offensive blue-line play, but he needs to be more proactive in activating into the rush and creating offensive opportunities. He does not need to play a high risk game, but we feel that he has the skating ability and instincts to be a more consistent second layer to the attack.
We would like to see him drive possession to create more scoring chances.
Projection
Hallquisth projects as a middle-pairing NHL defenseman with the potential to play in all situations. His defensive awareness, physical presence, and passing ability make him an attractive option for playing on both special team’s unites. With continued development in his offensive game, skating explosiveness, and physical strength, he could elevate his ceiling to become a top-four defenseman with the ability to contribute meaningfully at both ends of the ice.
Key Development Goals:
Increase shot volume and improve shot power to become a more impactful offensive threat.
Develop explosiveness in his first step to better create space or take space away.
Add muscle and physical strength to better handle NHL-level physicality and enhance endurance.
Take more calculated risks in the offensive zone to elevate his playmaking ability and scoring impact.
With his size, skill set, and hockey IQ, Hallquisth has the foundation to become a reliable, multi-faceted defenseman at the NHL level. If he continues to address his areas for improvement, he has the potential to be a valuable piece for any NHL team.
Draft Outlook:
Hallquisth is currently projected to be a late first-round to early second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. His NHL readiness will depend on his ability to develop offensively and add the physicality required to handle the professional game.
Player Comparison:
Erik Cernak – A steady, physical two-way defenseman who plays with poise and excels at disrupting plays, distributing the puck, and handling defensive responsibilities.