Robert Hägg
Position: Defense
Team: MODO (SEL)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: February 8, 1995
Place of Birth: Uppsala, Sweden
Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 200 lbs
Shoots: Left
2012-2013 Regular Season Stats:
| GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
| 27 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -3 | 2 |
2012-2013 Playoff Stats:
| GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Robert Hägg is a steady defenseman on the rise, as he made his way all the way up to the SEL this past season. That said, he didn’t exactly set the world on fire, but considering it’s the toughest league in Sweden that’s not altogether unsurprising.
He combines decent size with great skating ability, and he can get moving on a breakout quickly. He’s solid with the puck, though he doesn’t wow you with his abilities; he’s not a liability at all, either. He has a good shot, but there are some questions and disagreements about his overall defensive ability. The overall consensus would be that he has the potential to be a solid all-around defenseman.
Hägg is ranked #8 in the final Central Scouting European Skater rankings.
Scouting Reports:
Hagg is a really gifted defenseman who progressed as the season went on, going from the junior league to playing in the SEL although his performance was up and down throughout the campaign. Hagg has a real easiness to his game. He is a high-end skater, possessing an effortless stride and quick acceleration. He appears to glide when he is on the ice, with a high amount of offensive ability. He makes quality rushes, and he displays great puck movement in every zone. He is not a flashy puck handler, but he has good subtle hands, with the ability to make open ice maneuvers. He has a big shot from the point, and several NHL sources indicate that he frequently relies on that asset. Scouts are divided on Hagg’s defensive play. One thinks it is his best asset, while another calls him a very well-rounded player, and yet others say his defense needs work. From my assessment, I do not think he is an exceptional defensive player. He is quality in his own end, but he does make the odd bad decision here and there. Still, there is a lot to like about Hagg. He has a great hockey brain, mobility, and solid physicality.
– Hockey Prospectus
Has split the season between the SuperElit and Elitserien… Has enticing skills but doesn’t show any consistent offense… Smart defender who is plays a steady game… Prone to inconsistency which makes him a bit of a gamble… Will need a couple more seasons of development overseas.
Why he’d be a good fit in Columbus:
Guys with decent size and the potential to be a great all-around defenseman are guys you can always find room for, but there are some caveats. Hägg needs some work, and needs some seasoning. He’s not a guy coming to North America right away, most likely, and so he won’t be an immediate help for the Jackets. That said, with the right development track, he’s a guy that could contribute to the blue line. He’d need to shore up his overall defensive game, and develop his offensive game a bit more to really be an asset to the current Jackets’ blue line makeup.
Hägg in Action