Jannik Hansen

History

2002-03: Jannik Hansen made his debut with the Rodovre Elite club in 2002 playing in 15 games against grown men as a 16-year-old. He transferred to the Malmo Junior team in Sweden and played 12 games and scored 8 goals and 15 points and was offered a chance to return to the team. Hansen decided to return to his native Denmark to play for the team that he grew with and felt that it was more important to play as a first liner in a men’s league than with the Malmo junior team. Hansen scored 19 points in 35 games.

2003-04: Hansen played for Rødovre and showed significant statistical improvement over last season, as he scored 17 goals and 17 assists in 32 games, averaging more than a point per game.  Hansen was one of the fastest risers in the draft moving up to 41, at the final CSS rankings, from 98 at the mid season rankings of European skaters. However, he was one of the last players selected in the 2004 draft.

2004-05: Hansen continued his steady development, putting up 17 goals and 17 assists in 32 games with Rodovre.  At the end of the season he was drafted by the Portland Winter Hawks in the CHL Import Draft.

2005-06: The young Dane opted to join the Winter Hawks and had a stellar first season in North America.  In addition to having good offensive production (64 points in as many games) he showed feistiness and a general will to compete.  He refused to be bullied and even dropped the gloves, something few expected from the Danish product.

2006-07: An AHL rookie, Hansen produced 34 points in 72 games, but the highlight of his year came at the end of the season when he was called up to play for the Canucks for 10 playoff games.  While he registered just one assist, it seemed like he made something happen every game.

2007-08: A somewhat frustrating season for Hansen.  He appeared to have an inside track at a NHL job during training camp but suffered an injury that kept him out of the first few games of the season and ultimately was sent to the AHL.  Hansen wasn’t able to earn an extended call-up and played just five NHL games, failing to score a point.  His production in the AHL was solid with 43 points in 50 games.

Talent Analysis

Hansen’s game is a speed based game that he complements with good puck handling skills and a strong wrist shot. He has a reputation for not backing down but must continue to work on his size and strength.  He has very good playmaking abilities and vision, but needs to have more confidence in himself and shoot more frequently when he has the chance.

Future