The Pittsburgh Penguins may be targeting David Edstrom, a physically gifted center from Sweden, in the 2023 NHL Draft.

If the Pittsburgh Penguins want to move back in the first round, there will still be a wealth of top notch NHL prospects to select. Our next draft profile takes a look at one of these options. David Edstrom is a highly touted, but lower ranked prospect that could hear his name called during the first round of the draft. 

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Essentials:

2022-23 Team: Frölunda HC J20 (J20 Nationell)

Height and Weight: 6-foot-3, 187 pounds

Shoots: Left

Position: Center

NHL Central Scouting: 25th (among European skaters)

Elite Prospects: 42nd

2022-23 Stats: J20 Nationell- 28 GP, 15 G, 13 A, 28 P

SHL: 11 G, 2 G, 2 A, 4 P

Sweden (U18 International) 16 GP, 6 G, 7 A, 13 P

Player Breakdown:

A player shooting up the draft boards, there is much to admire about Edstrom’s game. He had a standout performance at the U18 World Junior Championships on the stacked Swedish team, and it’s propelled him up the rankings heading into the draft. While it may be less likely, he’s built enough buzz to be in the first round discussion.

The best part of Edstrom’s game is how far along his defensive play is at such a young age. He stands out as a future third line center and number one penalty killer due to his commitment to defense and how hard he plays in front of his goaltender. His defensive game is complemented by his impressive skating ability and intelligence on the ice. He’s able to cover ground quickly, and he’s always in the right defensive position.

A word that sticks out when watching Edstrom is adaptability. His defense is his best trait, but Edstrom can contribute all over the ice and seems determined to figure out how to produce even more. During his run with the U18 World Junior Championships, he looked right at home playing alongside other first round talents like Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Otto Stenberg. He was able to adapt to a variety of roles and found a way to consistently contribute, whether it was on special teams or as their top line center. Edstrom brings that versatility and determination to every aspect of his game, and it’s beginning to pay off.

What Needs to Improve:
While Edstrom did post a point per game at the J20 Nationell level for his Frolunda HC club, his offensive game lacks depth and creativity. Edstrom is no slouch offensively, it just isn’t what catches your eye. He has an average shot, above average puck skills, average passing, and above average skating. Overall, his offensive toolkit feels limited and needs to be expanded in order for Edstrom to elevate himself into a top six role.

The other big improvement needed for Edstrom is to bulk up. He works hard and knows where to go to attack the puck, but he isn’t as aggressive or physically imposing enough to consistently win puck battles. His forechecking will continue to be what moves Edstrom up the ranks, and he needs to make sure he can come away with the puck as often as he puts pressure on the opposition.

NHL Player Comparison: Brayden Schenn

NHL ETA: 2027-28

Edstrom is a project who will need lots of time to develop. His offensive game needs major work, and the only way to accomplish that is through patience, more game time, and proper coaching. Edstrom figures to play a few more years in Sweden before making the leap to the AHL. He’ll need some time to develop once over here, but with the potential he possesses, he may be worth the wait. If he can put it all together, he has high-end second line center potential. If none of it comes together, he will be a fringe third liner. 

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