Our second prospect of the week comes from across the Atlantic in Sweden, where Jonathan Dahlén has plied his trade in the Allsvenskan.
The second round 42nd overall Swedish national has gone somewhat under the radar, if you compare him to the likes of Chabot, White and Brown. Some players flourish under these circumstances. Whether he can make the ultimate step up to the Ottawa Senators is the question that needs addressing.
Positives
What is special about this kid then? His hands are sublime, as is his knowledge of offensive play. Another player boasting a high hockey IQ, it always helps when your father was a pro too. His father being Ulf Dahlèn who scored 655 points in 966 NHL games for an array of teams.
His attacking prowess can be seen this season (his second for Timrå IK) where at the time of writing (he had scored in the 1st period of an on going game) he has 39 points in 41 games, 23 goals and 16 points. Currently 6th in the league in terms of points.
His speed is another asset, burning past opponents with ease. Combining with his slick hands and attacking knowledge he can embarrass players. The test will be whether that speed translates at higher levels. If we have learnt anything from this NHL season so far is that quicker players are the future. Mitch Marner.
Weaknesses
Weaknesses? There are question marks over his skating, the very same his dad endured but his offensive talents more than make up for the doubt.
Dahlén has played all of his hockey in Sweden and the questions will be put in his direction, as to whether he can make the transition. The transition being smaller rinks and a vastly different checking game. Not only that but the second tier of Swedish hockey, which you would imagine is miles behind the AHL and even CHL.
Looking Forward
If he continues his point production in the Allsvenskan then you would imagine that he will be gracing the AHL with the new Belleville Senators. A third year at that level of hockey could stunt any potential growth.