Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.eliteprospects.com
- Name: Anton Gustafsson
- Position: C
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 194 lbs
- Birthdate: 1990-02-25
- Eligible for Draft: 2008
- Drafted: 2008
- Hometown: Karlskoga, Sweden
- Acquired: 1st round (#21 overall), 2008
- Playing In: Europe
Anton Gustafsson
Prospect Grade: 0.0 (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2007-08: Though Gustafsson has played only one game in the Swedish Elite League and does not have the international experience that Tedenby and Karlsson both possess, he has made strides in the country’s top junior league. For example, after registering eight points in 26 games with Frolunda during the 2006-07 season, Gustafsson raised his output during the 2007-08 season, tallying 32 points in 33 games. Gustafsson also acts as an assistant captain for Frolunda.
Talent Analysis
Gustafsson reminds quite a bit of his father Bengt-Åke. He is a highly skilled two-way center with very good hockey sense. Gustafsson has good size, decent strength and plays a hard-nosed game where he often likes to play the body.
In the offensive zone, he comfortably sets up plays and leads the team with his play. Gustafsson’s puck control is good and he easily finds good passing opportunities. Although perhaps not a natural goal scorer, he does have a good release. Could perhaps work some with his acceleration, but he is fast when he reaches full speed and very difficult for the defensemen to get hold of.
Defensively, Gustafsson takes a lot responsibility and is a leader that takes no unnecessary risks. Instead, he makes smart and simple decisions. Overall, perhaps the most all-round Swedish player that is/was eligible for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
In the offensive zone, he comfortably sets up plays and leads the team with his play. Gustafsson’s puck control is good and he easily finds good passing opportunities. Although perhaps not a natural goal scorer, he does have a good release. Could perhaps work some with his acceleration, but he is fast when he reaches full speed and very difficult for the defensemen to get hold of.
Defensively, Gustafsson takes a lot responsibility and is a leader that takes no unnecessary risks. Instead, he makes smart and simple decisions. Overall, perhaps the most all-round Swedish player that is/was eligible for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Future
Gustafsson was expected to play for Frölundas affiliate Borås in the Swedish second tier league during the 08/09 season, but was not very fond of that solution. Instead, his team made a deal with another team in the second best league in Sweden, Bofors, where he will compete next season. The team plays in his hometown Karlskoga. If he gets decent ice-time, which is likely, he should be a candidate to make the Swedish U20 WJC team as an underager, although the competition is tough. With a strong season, he could be back with the Frölunda organization for the 09/10 season.
Stats
Stats Coming Soon...
Profile Last Updated: June, 21st 2008
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