Noel Franson

Up and coming Swedish rearguard who has elevated his draft status with 18 goals & 39 points in 40 games in the Swedish junior league. You look at the unfinished product, and have to figure in if he will have a growth spurt, hit the weights and build muscle mass and hone his hockey head and tool box, and it seems likely after the long way he has come in a short time this season. He is more advanced offensively than defensively as many prospects are.  He has so much power behind his shots, with proof being that he is able from a standstill on the blue line, to wire shots to the top corners. His quick release and offensive vision allow him to get open on the power play and create on almost every possession. He work in the defensive zone needs much more. He attempts puck steals with his stick, not his body. Sometimes a gambler with the puck, but his head is usually up and can find breaking forwards with the home run pass in the neutral zone. Made his Swedish National team debut in the Five nations in February.

                                                                 --Bill Płaczek--