San Jose Spotlight: Axel Holmstrom
- Updated: April 1, 2015
There’s a new Holmstrom coming up through the system in Detroit. Unlike Tomas, Axel is a strong 2-way centre with plenty of skill and creativity. He’s in the spotlight because he’s making history right now in the SHL Playoffs by currently leading one of the best SHL teams in scoring as an 18 year old with 11 points in 7 games. Coming off a solid rookie SHL regular season, Holmstrom has taken the next step and then some in the playoffs. He’s got NHL size already and looks like one of the best late round picks in the NHL draft. The Wings might have another 7th round steal on their hands and my Sharks hope to benefit from it.
Here’s a comparison with Anze Kopitar at the same age in the SHL taken from another site:
Regular Season
Kopitar: 20 points (8G+12A) in 47 Games
Holmstrom: 20 points (10 G+10A) in 44 Games
World Junior Championships
Kopitar: 6 Points (5G, 1A) in 5 Games (w/ Slovenia)
Holmstrom: 7 Points (1 G, 6A) in 7 Games (w/ Sweden)
Playoffs
Kopitar: 11 Points (7G, 4A) in 10 Games (his team was in the relegation series, not the SHL playoffs so worse quality of competition)
Holmstrom: 11 Points (4G, 7A) in 7 Games (so far)
Their production has been strikingly similar. Hopefully Holmstrom can carry his playoff performance into next season.
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