Arctic Ice Hockey’s First Annual NHL Mock Draft: Pick #15

Hey all! Welcome to Arctic Ice Hockey's first annual NHL Mock Draft. Over the next thirty days, Ryan, Tim and myself will attempt to telepathically channel the minds of NHL General Managers as they complete their final rankings in preparation for the 2012 NHLDraft being held June 22, 2012 in Pittsburgh, PA.

In some instances, our analysis will require less insight than others *cough* *Edmonton* *cough*.

So without further adieu, we present our loyal readers with the fifteenth overall pick of Arctic Ice Hockey's 2012 Mock Draft.

Bryan Murray: With the fifteenth overall selection in this years draft, the Ottawa Senators are pleased to select…

Rankings: CSS (6 EUR), ISS (20), TSN (23), Hockey Prospectus (9)

The Skinny: With the selection of Aberg, the Senators get even more top skill added to their line-up. With Jason Spezza (28), Nick Foligno (24), Colin Greening (26), Erik Karlsson (22) and Kyle Turris (22), Ottawa’s core players will be in the nation’s capital for years to come. Not to mention their system is stacked with high end offensive prospects such as Mika Zibanejad, Jakob Silfverberg and Mark Stone.

Hockey Prospectus:

Pontus Aberg has had a nice year over in Sweden from a counting numbers perspective for an 18-year-old, logging over 10 minutes per game, which is good for a player his age in that league. He got off to a hot start, but injuries impeded him somewhat in the second half of the year. Aberg is a plus skater with very good acceleration off his first few steps and a pretty dangerous top speed. He also has a plus shot which will drive a decent portion of his offensive value and allow him to maintain an above league average shooting percentage over his career. His shot is pretty accurate with good technique on his release, his one-timers fly off his stick with remarkable speed, and Aberg has the makings of a dangerous power play triggerman. Aberg has great hands and can show some flash in that area in terms of being able to make great individual plays in creating space for himself. His true strength isn’t about being a dangerous puck controller, though, as it is playing a speed game and getting the puck to the net. At times, he can move the puck around at an average level, but he doesn’t overly impress with his vision. Aberg also needs to work on his defense, although with his on-ice work ethic, there is reason to believe the finer points of his defensive game will come along. Aberg’s physical game also likely tops out as below-average because of his size but he does work hard and has a gritty edge to his game. – Corey Pronman

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