Sabres select Rasmus Asplund 33rd overall
The Buffalo Sabres selected forward Rasmus Asplund with the 33rd overall pick Saturday at the 2016 NHL Draft.
Rasmus Asplund
Position: C/LW
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 176 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Farjestad BK (Swedish Hockey League)
Nationality: Swedish
| GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 4 | 8 | 12 |
Asplund is a two-way forward who plays a responsible game and displays above-average hockey IQ. While he's not the biggest player on the ice, he isn't afraid to go to the difficult areas and is strong on the puck.
Asplund hasn't put up many points in Sweden's top professional league, but his vision will land him a job in North America. He has speed and can create for both himself and his teammates.
A member of Sweden's World Junior Hockey Championship squad, Asplund had three goals and two assists in seven games at this year's tournament.
While he doesn't do anything exceptionally well, Asplund can play both center and the wing, which will help him on draft night and throughout his career. He's got quick hands, and, as for his size, the game is translating to more skill and speed, and that'll help the 18-year-old as well. In short, a smart hockey player with some flash who plays bigger than he is.
Asplund centered for first-round pick Alexander Nylander at the World Juniors, which gives the Sabres some instant chemistry between the pair of Swedes.