Barrie Colts acquire the big Swedish defenseman Gabriel Eliasson from the Niagara IceDogs

The Niagara IceDogs drafted Gabriel Eliasson 12th overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft in hopes of recruiting him over to bolster and add more meanness to their blueline. 

Unfortunately, it appears that the organization was unable to do so, and they have decided to trade his player rights to the Barrie Colts. 

It had been rumored that Eliasson wasn't going to report to Niagara and a trade to Barrie was in the works for the last few weeks. The towering 6-foot-7, 216-pound defenseman was released from Ottawa's training camp recently and is coming over to make his North American debut in the OHL.

Eliasson, 18, was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the 2nd round, 39th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He won bronze with Sweden at the IIHF U18 Men's World Championship earlier this year, where scouts had an up close and personal look at the young giant. 

Gabriel does have an NCAA commitment to play for the University of Michigan starting in 2025-26, but where he will play this year is still up in the air. 

Barrie giving up a 2028 3rd round and 2027 15th round draft pick signals they have a good chance of recruiting him and having him play for their organization this season. Plus, the team has one import spot open still, with the other occupied by Dallas Stars prospect Emil Hemming. 

What Does He Bring?

"A towering defenseman with decent skating ability and an endless lust for violence."

That's a quote from Elite Prospect's 2024 NHL Draft Guide on Eliasson. Though it's a creative way to say that he enjoys the physical aspect of the game, it couldn't be more true. Gabriel is an old-fashioned defenseman who incites fear into his opponents with his aggressiveness and physicality. 

If he plays in the OHL, he will become one of the more hated players, in a way that will excite Barrie and Senator fans. 

Eliasson will need to get acclimated to the North American ice and playstyle, but his style of play fits it well. He's an average skater but it shouldn't be an issue at the OHL level, and he'll utilize his massive wingspan to steer players toward the boards before he finishes them off with a vicious hit. 

Don't expect much offensively from the Kungsbacka, Sweden native. His play with the puck limits his ability to create offense. He needs to keep things simple and try not to do too much, which he's usually good at doing. 

Eliasson in a Colts jersey will be expected to kill penalties regularly, defend the opposition's best players night in and night out, and be the agitator that he loves to be. 

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