European talent at the NHL Draft - part 2

The 2016 Draft is about to begin, and EuroHockey.com offers you the second part of its series on the best-ranked European prospects. This time, we will talk about talents coming from Swden, Germany and the Czech Republic. Enjoy!

Filip Gustavsson (SWE)

Sweden's Filip Gustavsson is ranked at the first place among European goalies. The top prospect from Skellefteå started his playing career in his hometown club AIK, before moving to Luleå HF in 2014. This year he debuted in the SHL, totalising seven games and a GAA of 2.19. He also played in the SuperElit, the premier junior competition in Sweden, taking part in 21 games. According to observers, he will probably selected in the second or third round, either at the end of the former or at the beginning of the latter. Solid and quick, Gustavsson has dramatically improved in the last seasons, and was awarded the Best Goalie Award at this year's U18 World Championships while recording an impressive 2.70 average. He's  definitely a player to take a look on, and is likely to improve again since his very first games in North America.

Rasmus Asplund (SWE)

Despite being signed to Färjestad, Asplund has really good chances of being drafted thanks to his skills: a great faceoff expert, he leads the Swedish junior league in terms of faceoffs won, and was able to score five points in five games (including three goals) during the last U18 Worlds. During mid-term rankings, this very promising center was the highest ranking player among Swedes, and was named as one of the most outstanding members of Tre Kronor's junior squad.

Carl Grundström (SWE)

Carl Grundström, a powerful and big right wing, will surely be an awesome addition to every NHL roster. Leading the prospects' list in terms of scoring (16 points), Carl has already some SHL experience with Swedish club MODO, and was originally signed by current champions Frölunda for the following season. He has also been part of the Swedish national team ever since the U16 level, and, despite MODO being relegated, took part in 49 games for them last season.

Filip Hronek (CZE)

According to recent projections, Hronek will be drafted during the second round, possibly in the middle of it. This very good defender has a long experience in his hometown club, Hradec Kralove, as well as in the Czech second division; he also took part to some international matches at U19 and U20 level, and has a very good and useful knowledge of powerplay.

Tobias Eder (GER)

Ranked #49 among eligible prospects, despite his young age Tobias Eder has played almost many games in his native Germany: a good and skilled center, he played for Bad Tölz (in the DNL, the German junior league) and for German champions Red Bull Munich, has an accurate shoot and some brilliant international experience with the U18 national team. As his brother Andreas played for the Vancouver Giants of the WHL, his name is currently circulating among Canucks' fans, but his choice will probably take place in the second round of the draft.

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