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2011 Draft Profile: Gabriel Landeskog

USA Hockey National Evaluation Camp - Finland v Sweden

LAKE PLACID, NY - AUGUST 05: Gabriel Landeskog #12 of Team Sweden skates against Team Finland at the USA Hockey National Evaluation Camp on August 5, 2010 in Lake Placid, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Even though he was a European import playing in the OHL, Landeskog still able to demonstrate the leadership qualities that helped make him a captain. In fact, at 17 years old he was the youngest player to wear the “C” for the Kitchener Rangers in three decades. People are so obsessed with his spectacular leadership qualities that sometimes his play on the ice isn’t adequately appreciated. Landeskog has the ability to play the grinding game of a power forward, but still possesses the vision and skill of a potential top five pick. Since he has off-the-charts leadership qualities, the most common comparison is to former Flyers captain Mike Richards.

Something to keep in mind when looking at his statistics is that he was injured when playing with Team Sweden at the World Junior Championships. If it weren’t for the midseason injury, the numbers would have been that much more impressive. Landeskog is the most NHL ready player in this year’s draft and could very well make an NHL roster this fall.

Height: 6’0”
Weight: 207 lbs
Position: Left Wing
Team: Kitchener (OHL)


  • 2009-10: 24 goals and 22 assists (46 points) in 61 games
  • 2010-11: 36 goals and 30 assists (66 points) in 53 games

Rankings

NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING#2 SKATER (NA)
TSN4TH OVERALL
INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING SERVICES6TH OVERALL
THE HOCKEY NEWS3RD OVERALL


NHL Central Scouting’s Chris Edwards

“He is a good-size guy who is solid on his skates, not afraid to take the puck to the net or battle for it along the boards. His skating is very good in all areas. He plays the game with so much passion, he plays the game hard, he’s a great mentor for players that are younger and older, maturity beyond his years. (He) doesn’t need one game in the American league next year -- he should step right into the NHL. I think the team that gets him next year is going to get a player that helps them win a Stanley Cup.”

From International Scouting Services:

“He has great hands and agility, is determined and focused around the puck and isn’t afraid to take abuse to make a play. He is very strong on his skates and takes contact well while protecting possession or drawing defenders to him.”