Is Forsberg NHL-ready?

Thursday, 05.31.2012 / 7:35 PM

By Adam Kimelman - NHL.com Deputy Managing Editor / Combing the 2012 NHL Combine

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Combing the 2012 NHL Combine
Is Forsberg NHL-ready?
TORONTO -- Filip Forsberg is only 17, but he already has two seasons of experience playing against men with Leksand in Sweden's Allsvenskan, the nation's top minor league.

He had a solid season in 2011-12 with eight goals and nine assists in 43 games. He excelled, however, against players his own age, totaling five goals in six games at the 2012 World Under-18 Championship. He also was the youngest player for Sweden at the 2012 World Junior Championship, contributing one assist in six games as the team won the gold medal. It all earned him the No. 1 spot among European skaters in NHL Central Scouting's final ranking.

At 6-foot-2 and 181 pounds, he also has good size. So is Forsberg ready to make the jump to the NHL?

"That's a hard question," he told NHL.com. "It depends on which team drafts you and what their plans are. It's a big step to take, moving away from Leksand, small town, over here to a brand new country."

Forsberg said making that decision will involve more than just his hockey ability.

"It's important to be ready socially," he said. "Not just with your hockey, but with your life."

Contact Adam Kimelman at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @NHLAdamK
 
2012 NHL Draft
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