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As for Pettersson, pro projections are way more up than down.

“He’s just so smooth and intelligent with the puck — there’s very little panic in his game,” said Shane Malloy, who has scouted National Hockey League prospects for a dozen years, is author of The Art of Scouting and co-host of Hockey Prospects Radio on Sirius XM, NHL Network Radio and TSN Radio.

“One of the things he does exceptionally well, is that he knows how to pass in traffic. And he knows when to pass, when to shoot and when to hold on to the puck. And he’s very patient.

“He can speed up and slow down the game at his own will and play high minutes. I don’t want to say he’s Nick Backstrom because he’s not. But he has a similar style in how he plays the game — especially the way he skates.”

That’s usually the biggest hurdle for prospects.

Say what you want about skill, speed is usually an issue whether it be those first few explosive strides, maintaining pace throughout the shift or using good edge work to instantly change directions and avoid larger and more-intimidating opposition.

A strong stride has also helped Pettersson be effective in all three zones as centre who can create, pressure and cause turnovers.

“He knows how to change his speed and that matters,” added Malloy. “It’s consistently difficult for defenders to maintain gap control against him because he knows how to create time and space for himself.”

However at 6-2 and that lanky frame, he’s a physical project.