Jacob Josefson
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Birthday:
1991-03-02 |
Position:
C |
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Eligible for draft:
2009 |
Shoots:
Left |
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Drafted:
2009 |
Height:
6-0 |
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Acquired:
1st round (20th overall), 2009 |
Weight:
190 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- B
History
2007-08: Centered for a number of teams in the Swedish league’s, but spent most of the season with Djurgardens. Scored 31 points (14g+17a) in 34 games. Also represented his country at the U17 and U18 WJC, putting up decent numbers.
2008-09: Played for Djurgardens in the SEL posting 16 points in 50 games. Was part of Team Sweden in the U18 and U20 World Championships. Selected by the Devils in the 1st round of the 2009 NHL draft.
2009-10: This would be Josefson’s last season with Djurgardens, scoring 8 goals and 12 assists with the team. He would also play a part in Sweden’s Bronze Medal Win at the World Juniors, and would add an Elitserien SM-silver Medal to his resume.
2010-11: Josefson made his NHL debut with the Devils as a 19-year-old and had an eventful first season in North America. After one-game with the Devils AHL affiliate Albany in October he was re-called by the Devils but suffered a thumb injury and missed over two months. Josefson was back with Albany in January but after 17 games was re-called by the Devils and was one of the young forwards who prospered under coach Jacques Lemaire. In 28 games with New Jersey he scored 3 goals with 7 assists and was +5 with 6 PMs. In 18 AHL games for Albany he scored 3 goals with 9 assists and was +2 with 4 PMs.
Talent Analysis
Josefson is a highly skilled center. He plays a strong two-way game and is a technically sound all-around player. His hockey sense is excellent and his skating ability and technical skills are above average. He shows nice creativity with the puck and is also a talented playmaker. Josefson has a good shot, but will likely always be a pass-first type of player. He plays a mature game and is already at an advanced stage defensively compared to many other younger players. He will need to continue to add muscle to his frame to help him withstand the rigors of the NHL.
Future
Josefson’s playing style compares very favourably to current Devils forward Patrik Elias. He excels at both ends of the rink and has the make-up to eventually evolve into a perennial 65-75 point top-two centre.
