#5 Adam Larsson:
Although he’s only 16 years old, Adam Larsson could play a key role in Sweden’s success at the upcoming World Junior Championships. Larsson is already playing in the Swedish men’s elite league, which is almost unheard of for someone his age. This offensively gifted defenceman is not NHL draft eligible until 2011, but remember the name, because he’ll be among the top players selected.
“He’s going to be something special,” said Sweden manager Rickard Gronborg, when asked of the phenom defenceman.
#3 David Rundblad:
David Rundblad was drafted 17th overall by the St. Louis Blues in last year’s NHL entry draft. Although the 6’3” defenceman is known for his offensive prowess, Rundblad put his physicality on display Nov. 3 as he caught Ravens rookie Yves Bastien with his head down late in the third period.
“He’s a very skilled defenceman,” said Al MacInnis, St. Louis Blues vice-president of hockey operations. “He’s got an excellent first pass and good vision. Like most young defencemen, he has some things to work on, obviously a little bit in his own end but he’s developing very nicely for us.”