Marcus Pettersson
Position: D
Current Team: Skelleftea Jr. , Sweden
Date of Birth: May 8, 1996
Place of Birth: Skelleftea, Sweden
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 161 lbs
Shoots: Left
Marcus Pettersson goes into the draft as the top-ranked European defenseman by Central Scouting, 7th overall. He’s the classic case of a kid who needs to grow into his frame, and if he can, he’ll be a solid two-way defender, leaning in the more defensive direction.
He relies on positioning rather than physicality, which makes one wonder if he’ll be an NHL-caliber defenseman. He’s got the tools, but if he can’t survive the physical rigors, back to Europe he goes.
Scouting Reports
Pattersson is a tall and lanky two-way defender who plays with good mobility, strong positioning and impressive passing ability as well as the ability to make quick decisions. He needs to use his size better as there is not much physicality in his game. – Elite Prospects
Pettersson is a long-term project in terms of his NHL potential. His skating ability, size and awareness suggest he can be an effective two-way defender eventually but does not play an overly abrasive style for a player his size and will need to improve his agility and strength if he is to compete on a nightly basis. – Hockey’s Future
A Good Fit in Columbus?
The Jackets have seen many of their defense prospects graduate to the pros, and are now in a postion to restock the cupboard. Dillon Heatherington and Mike Reilly are the only defense prospects still playing junior or college. Pettersson would help fill to add depth and talent to the defense stream, but I’m not sure if a guy who plays as soft as he goes would be a fit with the lunchpail Jackets.
Pettersson in Action