Jesse Forsberg is another draft-eligible player who could be on the radar of the Edmonton Oilers scouting staff. He’s toiling for the Prince George Cougars of the WHL, the same team 2010 2nd round pick Martin Marincin is currently starring for.
Listed at roughly 6’0 194 pounds make him a solidly built developing defensive defenseman. Born in mid-August is going to make him one of the youngest draft-eligible players for the 2011 draft, so there’s hope he’ll still be able to add a couple of inches onto his frame at some point.
He’s not really known for his offensive instincts, though he put up a respectable 16 points in his rookie season in the Dub. His point totals this year (1-2-3) are somewhat of a letdown from last year thusfar, but the offensive production from the back end is being more than adequately addressed by the aforementioned Marincin (6-9-15) and the previously unknown-to-me Sena Acolatse (5-10-15). Maybe he’s been asked to focus more on his defensive play.
Certainly one of the strengths of Forsberg’s game is as a policeman. He has a deceptive left hand and a willingness to get his mitts off (13 listed fights over the last two years). He’s also a leader on his team (assistant captain at 17) and comes from a family where hockey appears to be a mainstay. Jesse was selected 11th overall in the 2008 WHL bantam draft only to be beaten out numerically by his brother Alex (a center) who went 1st overall to the Cougars this past May.
The elder Forsberg (no Swedish connection) has started to garner some interest around draft junkie circles, his game has already been critiqued here and here. In an interview before the 2009/10 season (Jesse’s rookie season in the Dub) he described his offensive instincts and his physical game as his strengths, while admitted he had to work hard on his footwork and improve his ability to read the developing play. Reports this year suggest he’s improving his two-way game, and adding that leadership role to his game.
Early projections for the 2011 draft class are still sketchy, but Forsberg has himself pretty highly rated going into the season. In THN’s Major Junior preview issue, Forsberg is listed as the 6th ranked player from the WHL (fine offensive player doesn’t shy away), nestled between Michael St-Croix and Ty Rattie. Others (the second “here” link) have him projected as the 45th ranked player. If he’s around in the second round, he might be a player of interest to the Oilers.
Why would the Oilers be looking at this player type? Well, the prospect pool does lack leadership, especially from the blueline. His physicality is missing in the pipeline since the graduation of Theo Peckham. Offense from the blueline is always a valuable commodity for the Oilers. His average size may hold him back, but if he can pack on another ten or so pounds before the draft combine, he’ll be among the most physical players available in the 2011 draft.
Given the tools, I’d say he’d be a good pick-up for the 2nd-3rd round if available.
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