Canucks draft Nils Hoglander 40th overall
The Vancouver Canucks selected forward Nils Hoglander with the 40th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Nils Hoglander
Position: Left wing
Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 185 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Rogle BK (SHL)
Nationality: Sweden
| GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
(Stats courtesy: EliteProspects.com)
Hoglander has the potential to be a hidden gem in this year's draft. His numbers don't jump off the page, but they're impressive for a teenager playing with grown men in Sweden's top professional league.
His straight-line speed isn't elite, but he's as shifty and agile as they come. His edgework and outstanding set of hands also make him incredibly difficult to defend in tight despite his small stature. Sometimes, it looks like Hoglander has the puck on a string, and he can produce scoring chances out of nothing through the middle of the ice.
Overall, Hoglander carries a lot of the same traits as 10-year NHL veteran Tyler Ennis.
What they're saying
"Hoglander has the best hands in the draft," said The Athletic's Corey Pronman. "When he has the puck on his stick, he’s trying to make a skilled play. His puck handling is lightning quick and he often leaves defenders in a knot with how he dangles while in stride."