Projected to go first overall in next summers entry draft, the hockey world has been talking about young Rasmus Dahlin since last season when, as a 16 year old, he got the call to play for the Frolunda Indians in the SHL. But his success didn’t start there. During his time with Lidkoping playing in U16 Division 1 and 2 he put up 110 points in just 40 games. In fact, in just 5 games played in U16 division 2 he put up 27 goals and 9 assists, numbers that are a little hard to believe. That offensive touch has followed him throughout his career and continues to be one of the key points of his game, something he developed while playing forward at a young age.

– I [was] always forward when I was younger… some years ago I wanted to be defence… My coaches put me on the [blue line] and I liked it.

Just like many young Swedish players Dahlin looked up to Peter Forsberg and as he has gotten older has been closely following the career of Erik Karlsson. But growing up he didn’t follow the NHL too closely, but always loved watching the Frolunda Indians.

– Frolunda has always been my favorite team and I always watched them… [it means] so much [to play for them] and to get in the locker room and see Joel Lundqvist, he played when I was younger, he was my idol so that is fantastic.

Foto: Simon Eliasson / Bildbyrån

Although his offensive touch as a defenseman consistently impresses, his defensive play is his own end still needs some work. Making the leap from the SHL to the NHL where the ice is smaller, the game is faster and tougher, Dahlin acknowledges his shortcomings in his own end but is working hard to put on a few more pounds and improve his defensive play.

– My defensive game, I’m trying to get stronger in the gym and to be better defensively.

Just like many young Swedish stars before him he’ll be donning the blue and yellow at this years World Juniors tournament in Buffalo, and with his status as a top prospect, many NHL fans will be watching his games with anticipation and hope that their team will be the one to call his name come June. Despite all the attention and fanfare around him, he remains humble and just wants to play hockey, not concentrate on the expectations or pressure as a top prospect.

– I’m just trying to play the best I can and enjoy [the experience], that’s the most important thing.

Foto: Michael Erichsen / Bildbyrån

If he were to be selected first overall, he would become just the second Swedish player to achieve that feat, Mats Sundin being the first back in 1989. However, his humility and attitude remain the same when asked about the possibility of being selected first overall.

– I think it motivates me to be a better hockey player everyday… I don’t think about the draft so much, I’m just trying to focus on what I can do everyday… I don’t think it matters if you’re number one or number ten, just to be drafted is a dream for me.

Foto: Michael Erichsen / Bildbyrån

Very rarely do young players make the leap to their NHL team the same year they are drafted. There are a few exceptions of course, but the majority will play in the AHL, college, or return to their previous team to develop their games further before suiting up in the NHL. When asked if he thinks he’ll be NHL ready next year Dahlin remains unsure.

– For me it has always been a dream to play in the NHL… but I don’t know we’ll see.

Regardless of whether he is selected first overall in the draft, or whether he’ll be ready to suit up next season, one thing certain. Every NHL fan wants this young player wearing their team’s jersey and come June many will be eagerly waiting for the name Rasmus Dahlin to be spoken into the microphone.