Jonathan Dahlén
2015-16 Team: #54, Timrå IK, Allsvenskan
Date of birth: 1997-12-20
Place of birth: Östersund, SWE
Ht: 5’11” Wt: 176 lbs
Shoots: L
Position: C/LW
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2016 1st year eligible
Twitter: @JonathanDahlen
THW The Next Ones Ranking (Midterm): 38
Other Rankings
- Hockey Prospect: 26
- THW War Room May Rankings: 30
- Pike’s Picks: 42
- NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings Combined: 60
Jonathan Dahlén, MacGyver on Ice
Jonathan’s father, Ulf, was an industrial, intelligent forward who played nearly one thousand NHL games, who just happened to resemble MacGyver in appearance. This Dahlen resembles MacGyver on the ice. He can create offense, often out of nothing. He’s a consistent, creative forward with a dangerous arsenal of shots at his disposal. He especially possesses a heavy snapshot. Jonathan also is adept at knowing where to be on the ice, at the right time.
http://gty.im/490829268
Dahlen was the top scorer on Timra this season, a team that was not exactly blessed offensively. He was especially impressive to close out his season with 19 points in the last 18 games he played, playing against men, including 6 goals in 5 playoff games. To put in perspective, his team only scored 12 goals total in the playoffs. Though only numbers, his production in the Allsvenskan is extremely impressive, especially when stacked up against others who have played in this league at a similar stage of development – Filip Forsberg and Andre Burakovsky, for instance.
His skating has been a debate in some circle. Some describe his style as awkward. Nonetheless, he is great on his edges, elusive, agile, and deceptive. His speed and skating improved as the season went on.
He has some growing to do defensively, but he is a competitive player all over the rink. He battles hard and is effective on the forecheck. Like his father, he is a highly intelligent player, with superior hockey sense. Dahlen is a definite gem in this draft class.
Dahlen trycker in ledningsmålet för Timrå: #twittpuck https://t.co/sF8Co7mYZz
— TV4 Sport (@TV4Sport) March 4, 2016
NHL Draft Projection
He’s likely to get snagged in the second round, but do not be surprised if he sneaks into the latter part of the first round. If he falls out of the first two rounds, chalk him up as an absolute steal.
Probable range: 25 to 45
[2016 NHL Draft Guide: The Next Ones]
Quotables
“A superb offensive player with a knack for goal-scoring, Dahlen has four goals in his past two playoff games as Timra fights for promotion to the top-tier SHL. Ulf Dahlen’s son boasts sick hands, great creativity, and a sharp release.”
– Ryan Kennedy, The Hockey News
***
“Dahlén is a constant threat for defenders with his great vision, agility, puck skills and quick and accurate wrist shot. He developed greatly during this season and I think he can be a surprise first round pick that turns out well.”
– Jimmy Hamrin, Hockey Prospectus
Statistics
Regular season: 51 GP, 15 G, 14 A, 29 Pts, 8 PIMs
Playoffs: 5 GP, 6 G, 1 A, 7 Pts, 2 PIMs
Strengths
- Shot: especially heavy snapshot
- Hockey IQ
- Intelligence
- Creativity
- Consistency
- Plays close to mistake-free
- Work ethic
- Agile skating ability
Under Construction (Improvements to Make)
- Strength, physical play
- Continued improvements to his defensive side of the game
NHL Potential
- Top 6 Forward
- His style is somewhat reminiscent of Jeff Skinner
Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk = 1.5/5 Reward = 4/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offensive = 8/10 Defensive = 6.5/10
Awards/Achievements
- J20 SuperElit (Overall) Most Points by U18 Junior 2014/15
Interview/Profile Links
Videos
(Reminder: He’s #54)
Shots From the Slot (Interesting Notes)
He can possibly follow in the footsteps (skates) of Filip Forsberg and Patrik Berglund by going directly from Allsvenskan to the NHL, without making an appearance in the SHL. (Stick tap to THW’s David Carlsson)