Making The Grade: Jakob Silfverberg

 JAKOB SILFVERBERG

Season Review– Jakob Silfverberg showed flashes of what made him the Swedish Elite league top scorer in both the regular season and playoffs last season.  His quick release caught goalies off guard and he played with a little more physicality than I (for one) had expected.  However I am not sure he showed enough consistency to be a legitimate top 6 right now.  However, with a 48 game audition plus the 34 he played in Binghamton during the lockout, there shouldn’t be as much of a learning curve next season.  His 10 goals and 9 assists were good enough for 9th among all first year players.

April 28, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) shoots the puck while Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference (21) defends during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Playoffs – While he enjoyed some success in the first round against Montreal, like many of his teammates Silfverberg seemed to be overwhelmed by the Penguins. I don’t know if it was awestruck or just out-talented as a team.  With more experience his talent will come to the forefront.

Contract Status – Entering year 2 of his 3 year entry level deal, expires after the 2013-14 season. Cap hit of $900,000.

Importance To Franchise – Silfverberg is expected to be a top 6 winger who eventually scores 25-30 goals.  He is a front-line prospect and the sky is the limit and he is a cornerstone of the Senators’ future.

Needs to Improve – He is a big body who has a couple of years of playing with men.  It is a matter of getting more comfortable on North American ice and knowing where the sweet spots are for goal scoring.

Grade –  B.  Silfverberg was expected to be a rookie of the year candidate, but he  wasn’t really in the conversation.