My blog ate this entry, so I’ll hand it over to Michigan Hockey’s Michael Caples:
[The Red Wings selected Frolunda forward Theodor] Niederbach, the second Swedish forward claimed by Detroit in the 2020 Draft after they took Lucas Raymond at No. 4 overall, checks in at 5-foot-11 and 172 pounds. Skating with Frolunda’s top junior team this fall, he has recorded 15 points in nine games.
After missing an entire year because of surgery to address knee joint issues, Niederbach is an intriguing prospect who may have had a higher draft stock had he competed in 2018-19.
In 2019-2020, he posted 48 points in 40 games with Frolunda, and seven points in eight games at the U18 Worlds.
An EliteProspects article calls him “the best 2020 prospect you’ve never heard of,” while his draft guide write-up gives another favorable review.
“He maintains a detailed mental map of the ice that allows quick decisions and a heightened read on incoming pressure. Defensively, he maintains an above-the-puck posture and suffocates opposition puck-carriers. He’s so dialed in off the puck, capable of making the right reads and knowing when he can switch from his man and give his teammate support.”
Niederbach spoke with the media, via the Red Wings:
Update: Here’s more from the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan:
Niederbach (5-foot-11, 172-pounds) is a center who was the leading scorer on his junior team after missing all of 2018-19 with a knee injury.
The Wings have been looking for smart, instinctive players and scouts rave about Niederbach’s decision-making on the ice. His passing ability is considered a strength, and his ability to find open men on the ice.
Some scouts are nervous about his average speed, though Niederbach’s knee injury might have contributed to that.
Niederbach stressed the knee problems are behind him.
“I feel real good now, the injury doesn’t bother me now,” Niederbach said. “The start of last season was special because I didn’t know what to expect from myself. But the season went real well and I feel much stronger now and hopefully I can do even better.”
Still, missing an entire season was difficult mentally.
Detroit Red Wings är på oss igen. Med val #51 väljs Theodor Niederbach som totalt åttonde svensk och får göra Lucas Raymond sällskap. pic.twitter.com/3KZkq6pPfC— Frölunda Indians (@frolunda_hc) October 7, 2020
Here’s even more from Michigan Hockey’s Michael Caples:
In Wallinder, the Wings acquire a 6-foot-4 defenseman that is compared to Conn Smythe winner Victor Hedman by NHL Central Scouting. His favorite player growing up is Sharks star Erik Karlsson.
“Big, mobile, two-way defenseman with good passing skills and hockey sense,” NHL Central Scouting says of Wallinder, who recorded 24 points in 37 games with Modo’s top junior team in 2019-2020. “Plays with confidence and authority. Likes to join the offense.”
Wallinder was ranked No. 14 among European skaters in the NHLCS final rankings, while he was ranked No. 20 by TSN’s Craig Button and No. 32 by Future Considerations.
“Wallinder towers over the competition, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 194 pounds – there’s plenty of room for him to fill out that frame,” From the EliteProspects draft guide, which had him ranked No. 47. “He might be the most technically skilled skater among all defenceman in this draft. He’s a great puck-carrier, eager to lead his team up the ice, and with a great deal of initiative in creative offensive chances.”
