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XLeafer · 07-15-2020, 03:25 PM

Code:
653 words, double media

The SHL Draft is tonight and there are lots of questions on how the draftees will turn out and where the draftees will be heading to. But there is more light at the top prospects of this draft such as Rikard Bjerg. The Swedish born right-handed defenseman is set to enter the SHL as a future star in this league with a high potential to be a very tough player to be up against.

Team: Maine Tumber
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Right
Hometown: Gothenburg, Sweden
Height: 6'3
Weight: 215 pounds

[Image: andre-burakovsky-malmo2.jpg?ssl=1]

[Image: andre-burakovsky-malmo2.jpg?ssl=1]

Going 2nd overall in the junior draft to Maine Timbers, he has shown his work. Rikard Bjerg looked set to slot in pretty much unanimously as the most highly-touted SHL draftee. He has shown his work ethic and grinds in every day to be the best he can become. He did not have a great season but it is not easy as a rookie to have a great season with team who finished last. 11 points in 48 games but his defensive stats are more impressive as 74 hits and 68 shots blocked. His GA/60 is at the bottom which a good sign as he gets a lot of minutes but not the main cause for the goals allowed.

As a rookie, he is already an important player for his junior team and with so much responsibility and trust he gets, he has been on the ice for a long time. With a skill set of being a great defensive defenseman, he is a mobile puck mover with a dominant defensive mindset and steadily improving offensive game. Obviously his strength comes in his own end. With his strong defensive instincts, it allows him to play against his opponents top line and do his job to stop the scoring. He creates turnovers and cuts down passing lanes with his quick mentality to read defensive plays using his stick legally. He is never afraid to throw his body out there but more disciplined. He would use his body against his opponents along the boards or in front of the net to help out his goaltender. Rikard Bjerg is a smart defenseman with high potential as previously mentioned and it would not surprise me to see him become a force in the defensive zone. Maybe he has the potential to be someone like Ursin Zimmermann or Kristaps Ball.

He is 6th in the class in TPE but without apparently the fantasy luck he had, he would be the top earner in this class. He is a new creation and not a recreate which means he is a fresh player. Not only is he on every day but he is keeping his bank very healthy and going all the tasks and opportunities he has to become the best in his group. He is a top 3 pick in my opinion and he would not let the team that drafts him down. But he is a top earner and would be top in TPE if it were not for the sim luck but that is how she goes. @AgentSmith630 is very optimistic of him being a top pick which is a good sign to see as whoever has the 1st overall pick which I do not know.

He is a great addition for a team that needs a defenseman. Someone who can help with the defensive game, play penalty minutes and more importantly, someone who can become a top-pair defenseman and eat so many minutes. At this rate, he would need at least 2 seasons to be able to handle those responsibilities but depending on the team that drafts him, he can be ready to play in the SHL in one season or two.

So the Pride have the 1st overall pick and Tampa has the 2nd overall pick. Whoever gets him would be in for a treat.

***AgentSmith630*** · 07-15-2020, 05:49 PM

Grapehead · 07-15-2020, 07:10 PM

He's okay

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