Scouting the Winnipeg Jets 2017 NHL Draft: Elias Pettersson prospect profile

Synopsis:

Much like the other centre’s in this year’s draft, Elias Pettersson prides himself on being a two-way player who can hold his own in both ends of the ice. ISS notes that he is a player who would be comfortable at either centre or a wing position which gives any team who selects him a little more flexibility. His point production becomes all the more impressive when you factor in that he was competing in the Allsvenskan which is Sweden’s second-tier men’s league behind the Swedish Hockey League. Pettersson finished second in team scoring behind only Ottawa Senators prospect Jonathan Dahlen. Though a well-rounded prospect, Pettersson will be expected to add some muscle to his 161 lb. frame to compete effectively at the NHL level.

Scouting Report via Jeff Marek:

Playing in Sweden he’s been lights out, but internationally it’s a different story where he’s struggled, most recently at the world juniors. The team that drafts him will have to be patient, but he has the tools to make their patience pay off.

Fun Fact:

His older brother Emil Pettersson is set to join the Milwaukee Admirals next season as he was a 2013 6th round draft pick of the Nashville Predators. Elias is also afraid of snakes, but who isn’t?

Why a fit with the Winnipeg Jets:

There is no questioning Pettersson’s talent as his 0.95 point per game pace in the Allsvenskan suggests. Yes, as Jeff Marek states in his Mark 2017 write up, Pettersson didn’t have the greatest World Junior Championships this past year; but I often feel that too much emphasis is placed on a small sample tournament. In the event some of the more alluring defencemen are off the board and Pettersson remains, he would be a player worth investing top fifteen capital in given his current skill set and expected development.

Cons to the selection:

In Pettersson, you’re likely inheriting more of a project that will likely take a bit of time to come from playing overseas - likely one year at the minimum. To their credit, Winnipeg has done a very good job of locking up first round talent and finding a fit within their organization soon after they are drafted. Pettersson’s smallish frame is of some concern, but he remains highly ranked on most boards and could be a selection that mirrors that of William Nylander in years to come.

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