Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.hockeypictures.se
- Name: Dennis Persson
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 192 lbs
- Birthdate: 1988-06-02
- Eligible for Draft: 2006
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Nykoping, Sweden
- Acquired: 1st round (24th overall), 2006
- Playing In: Pro
Dennis Persson
Prospect Grade: 6.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2005-06: Dennis Persson has come off a season playing both men's and junior's hockey with Västerås. He scored impressive 26 points in 28 games in the juniors and added two assists in 19 games in the Swedish second tier league. During the U18 WJC Persson was the most consistent Swedish defenseman, scoring a goal and 5 assists in 6 game.
2006-07: While he played for a number of teams in the Swedish league this season, Persson spent most of it with Nykoping (Allsvenskan), netting four goals and as many assists in 29 games. He also appeared with Sweden’s National U19 and U20 squads.
2007-08: The Swede appeared in 21 games with Djurgarden (Elitserien), registering an assist. In another 21 games with Nykoping (Allsvenskan) he tallied a goal and four assists. He also appeared in four games with the Swedish National U20 squad, but failed to register any points.
2008-09: In 46 games with Timra (Elitserien), the defenseman netted a goal and six points. He ventured over to North America after the Swedish league ended their season, appearing in eight games (two assists) with the Portland Pirates (AHL). Expect to see him here permanently next season.
2009-10: Persson spent his first full season with Portland (AHL) after appearing in eight games the previous year. Once touted as a top offensive defenseman, the Swedish blueliner tallied 7 points with just one goal ( a power play tally) in 60 games and was -10 with 16 PMs.
2010-11: Persson showed improvement in his second year with Portland - scoring 4 goals with 13 assists. He finished the season with a +5 plus/minus while accumulating 18 PMs. In eleven AHL playoff games, he had four assists and was an even plus/minus. Persson signed a one-year contract with Buffalo in July 2011.
Talent Analysis
When he was drafted in the first round two years ago, Persson was billed as a smooth-skating, offensive defenseman. He has suffered from a great deal of inconsistency and has not improved with the competition. While his natural ability has not disappeared, he has not lived up to his draft day reputation as a smart, playmaking defenseman.
Future
Persson showed some progress in 2010-11 season and if he can continue to improve and possibly even play well enough to get a call up, then he may get re-signed at season’s end. This is likely his last chance at redemption with the Sabres considering the great depth they have defensively.
Stats
.
Profile Last Updated: October, 11th 2011
HF Quick Navigation
