We are less than a month away from the 2021 NHL Entry Draft (July 23-24), so it’s time to start researching the prospects likely to be selected in the first round. The Columbus Blue Jackets currently hold three picks in that round: #5, #24, and #30 or #31.
Simon Edvinsson
Position: Defenseman
Team: Frolunda HC J20
Date of Birth: February 5, 2003
Birthplace: Onsala, Sweden
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 207
Shoots: Left
Rankings
Ranked #6 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
Ranked #8 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #2 by FCHOCKEY
Ranked #9 by NEUTRAL ZONE
Ranked #11 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #3 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #2 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)
Ranked #4 by SPORTSNET’S
Ranked #9 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
Ranked #7 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
Ranked #11 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
Ranked #6 by SMAHT SCOUTING
Ranked #9 by THE PUCK AUTHORITY
Ranked #2 by TSN/McKenzie
2020-21 Stats
note: stats are combined between three teams Edvinsson appeared for: Frolunda HC J20 (14 games), Frolunda HC (10 games), and Vasteras IK (14 games)
Games Played: 38
Goals: 1
Assists: 11
Points: 12
PIM: 10
Simon Edvinsson is a big defenseman with puck skills and who is quite mobile for his size. His reach and ability to break up plays with his stick make him an asset on any blue line in the league, and his ability to carry the puck into the zone with control would be a boon to a Blue Jackets roster that has bled defensemen in the last two offseasons.
Edvinsson’s size allows him to be physical, but he is not a physical player at the expense of taking himself out of the play. Edvinsson plays with a high hockey IQ, making the right read and maintaining gaps with a maturity for his age.
Scouting Reports
Edvinsson is a detailed defender with high-level in-zone instincts, a tight neutral zone gap, well-timed physicality, and supporting instincts to match. He manoeuvres with the puck kept in his hip pocket, with his top hand in control, free from his body. With a smooth and gracious skating stride scaffolded on top of those mechanical handling skills, Edvinsson’s tools sometimes take him to rarified air as a puck-carrier. -EliteProspects 2021 NHL Draft Guide
A very technically skilled defenseman. Good skater and mobile. Strong in his own end, even more so in the offensive zone., Anders Eriksén (HC)
“Edvinsson is extremely mobile across all zones of the ice. He is always involved in the play and appears equally confident on both ends. He does not shy away from physicality and uses his large frame with control. In addition to his physical strengths, his vision and spatial awareness are refined. He is constantly checking his surroundings and shifts into different positions when needed. Edvinsson possesses one of the strongest two-way defensive games in this draft class and his variety of skills presents him as a player that is incredibly mature for his age and experience.” – Alexa Potack, Dobber Prospects