Player Profile
Background & Player Description:
“Member of Sweden’s bronze medal-winning team at the 2008 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament…played for Sweden at the 2008 Men’s Under-18s…Represented Sweden at the 2008 World Junior Championship in Pardubice and Liberec, Czech Republic…At 16 years and 8 months was the youngest player ever to play for the Swedish national junior team at the tournament.”
-TSN
“”Magnus perhaps is the stereotype of the skilled Swede coming over here in recent years – outside speed extraordinaire, ability to freeze defenders and make all his good moves work even more effectively. He was a good contributor to his team at the World Junior tournament and I think will be an essential member of any NHL team in years to come. He showed, at the World Junior championships, why the 1980 comparisons to Mats Naslund, Kent Nilsson and more recently a Peter Forsberg will follow him over to his NHL team. He’ll be a high draft pick and I’m sure he’s going to be a combination of the kind of offensive flare and skills that have made those other three predecessors great NHL players.”
-Director of Central Scouting, E.J. McGuire
Our Bloggers Say:
Magnus Pajaarvi-Svensson is a speedy goal-scorer whose overall game has been at times projected to be reminiscent of Marian Gaborik, or Markus Naslund in his prime. Although his lack of defensive commitment presents somewhat of a concern, his sky-high potential as a future scoring machine renders him worthy of his top-10 draft ranking. In the event that the more well-rounded prospects are already off the board when the Maple Leafs are on the clock, I would not be disappointed at all if Brian Burke were to select the highly-skilled Swede.
-Garrett Bauman
Despite seeing limited ice time on a Timra side that only just made the Elitserien playoffs Paajarvi-Svensson made good with 17 points in 50 games in a league arguably superior to the AHL. Improving to 7 points in 6 games at the WJC, the Norrkoping resident demonstrated superb acceleration against the boards while appearing confident cutting inside. Has proved fearless when going to the net and while the NHL’s smaller ice surfaces may limit the effectiveness of his outside speed, his ability to dig into dirty zones and his soft hands will prove a boon. How quickly he can adjust to the intensity of North American hockey will be crucial to his short term value.
-Richard Steven Williams
Excellent mix of speed and skill, playing a robust, physical game .. hard work ethic and tenacity along the boards make him as slippery as they come .. my main concern is a lack of definitive proof of finishing skills in an elite league like the NHL .. excellent prospect.
Draft at #7 — No.
-Gus Katsaros
Love the speed and high end skill. Has all the physical tools to be an elite player at the NHL level. Fantastic offensive potential, can create scoring chances out of dead plays. He is a very noticeable player on the ice, so tough to take off the puck. I think the “lack of finish” is a little bit overblown, because much of this sentiment has been based off his play at the WJC, where I feel those were some very tough scoring chances that most other players would not have even been able to create in the first place.
Draft at #7 – Maybe, #2 behind only Kulikov (assuming the obvious six are off the board).
-Alex Tran
Alec’s Analysis:
I fully appreciate the raw talent that is Paajarvi-Svensson and I’m not of the persuasion that the apparent lack of finishing prowess at the WJCs, or his middling numbers this season for Timra, are legitimate causes for concern going forward. This is after all a 17-year-old kid playing in a league generally considered to be on par with the AHL if not more competitive, getting ten minutes of ice-time with sparse powerplay opportunity. He was a clear stand out at the WJCs, displaying mind-blowing speed and wizardry on the puck. With some filling out of his frame, he’ll have all the physical tools to compete and employ his game at the highest level. My problem lies in the fact that I don’t think drafting MPS meets the Leafs’ most pressing need. Brian Burke is clearly envisioning an Anaheim Ducks-like roster and system as the ultimate goal of this re-build. Few will dispute that the Ducks could not have experienced such success without Ryan Getzlaf at the heart of their line-up. The Leafs need this type of total package player up front – someone that can be built around as opposed to the type of player that simply supplies the finishing touch. I don’t see enough value in MPS as a complete player to consider him a potential franchise cornerstone. It’s also interesting consider the fact that it’s rare to see a Ryan Getzlaf or Mike Richards available on the unrestricted free agency market – they tend to be reasonably priced and highly-coveted by their franchises. I think Burke may be thinking along the same wavelength after talking to a source recently and hearing that Burke’s been vying to swap draft spots with the Thrashers in hopes of grabbing Brayden Schenn or Evander Kane, both of whom would meet the cornerstone criteria discussed above in my opinion. That all said, if Burke has to ultimately play the hand he’s been dealt in terms of his draft position, I can’t say I’d be too disappointed to see MPS donning the Leaf cap and sweater this Friday.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:22 am
The perfect fit for the LA Kings. There is no way he lasts till the 7 hole.
Tavares
Hedman
Duchene
Kane
Paarjvi
Cowen
Schenn
No brainer draft order.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:30 am
I agree with the Anaheim analysis to an extent … my preference also would be to grab Schenn or Kane first. However, in the event that Burke is unable to do so, MPS would provide much-needed speed and skill to the Leafs’ top six.
.
Besides Getzlaf and Perry, Burke’s Anaheim teams also included Teemu Selanne as a key offensive contributor. I am not of the persuasion that Burke will be turned off by the notion of drafting a finesse player like MPS, provided that the more well-rounded players such as Schenn and Kane are already off the board.
.
The whole “big, aggressive player” notion is a bit overblown, in terms of how Brian Burke’s teams are constructed. If we’re talking about bottom-six forwards, the theory holds true. But with top six forwards, a degree of finesse in the forward ranks is required to complement the power forwards. Remember that it was Burke who maneouvered to draft the Sedins, who do not exactly define the “aggressive power forward” mold that so many believe Burke is after for his top six forwards.
.
Assuming that Tavares and Duchene are off the board in the top 3, my draft candidates for the Leafs’ first round pick would be Schenn, Kane, and MPS … in that order. But if Schenn and Kane are gone (and they might be if the Leafs stay at #7), MPS will still be a good fit playing the Selanne role on Burke’s northern rendition of his Cup-winning Anaheim team.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:56 am
peter bruins – I also believe that will be the exact order of the draft – wouldn’t be that bad, the Leafs get Schenn!
June 21st, 2009 at 10:59 am
This is the first time hearing that MPS was being compared to Forsberg. Nasulnd and Gaborik comparisons are great of course, but if MPS ever develops his game to that of Forsberg’s, he will most definitely be the steal of the draft at the #7 position.
June 21st, 2009 at 11:05 am
Yeah, I don’t know about the Forsberg comparisons … I’ve heard them elsewhere but I just don’t see it … he’s a flashy player so naturally comparisons will get made to other flashy Swedish stars. Thing is, the physical game that Forsberg was renowned for isn’t there – yet – with MPS. Maybe he will add that edge, only time will tell. For now, though, Naslund is a better comparison. And if this kid can regularly produce 35-40 goals the way Naslund did, that’s a fine pick for the #7 spot.
June 21st, 2009 at 11:12 am
I also think this is the way it will go down. or at least should go down. The Kings have Dustin Brown who brings what Schenn brings. Good at both ends but lots of character and leadership. The Kings need a pure scorer. But if we walk away with one of Schenn/Kane or MSP than we had a good draft. I just hope Phoenix does what everyone thinks they should and takes a Defender, otherwise all three of those guys could be gone
June 21st, 2009 at 11:29 am
I still think Atlanta goes for Schenn at #4 if they keep the pick. They have needs everywhere, which increases the chances they will deal down. However, their greatest needs are leadership, grit, and two-way play. Schenn provides all of that.
.
As for the LA Kings, they have been reported to be highly interested in Evander Kane since the draft lottery. True, they already have Dustin Brown. And they absolutely love what he brings to the table – grit and goals. Which is why they are reported to be high on Kane … two Dustin Browns on two separate lines sounds pretty good.
.
If Atlanta does end up taking Kane at 4 instead of Schenn, then in that scenario I can see the Kings also passing on Schenn in favor of a pure scorer like MPS.
.
However, if the choice at #5 is between the two snipers (Kane and MPS), the Kings would likely pick Kane due in large part to his similarities to Dustin Brown.
June 21st, 2009 at 11:33 am
I wouldn’t be upset in the least to get a potential top 6 winger…but I would be happier with any of the other guys predicted to go in the top 7 (Tavares, Hedman, Duchene, Kane, Schenn and Cowen).
June 21st, 2009 at 11:51 am
You are right Leafer_84, but if Cowen is the guy available at 7 I think Id trade down and gun for Kassian and increase my 2nd round pick count. All things being told this years draft is really intriguing. Love the columns guys cause you build the hype really well!
June 21st, 2009 at 11:51 am
leafs will not draft MPS in any way shape or form-he’s years from making the club and does not offer anything the leafs need to start building a winner. if the obvious three are off the board and Burke cant move up my bet is Cowen will be the guy barring he passed all of his tests during the combine-obviously the results I am not privy to. Can we bring up a name that no one is talking about here-Kassian-I mean the Bruins have a lot of upfront talent but would they be anywhere without Lucic? It seems to me that Kassian is the type of guy that would grow into a 30/200 pim guy. Can you imagine Schenn and Kassian as the leadership core of the leafs 3 years from now? Wow
June 21st, 2009 at 11:55 am
sorry I know cowen didnt attend the combine but obviously his camp has had to provide any relevant information pertaining to his injury. if those tests are sound he goes to the Leafs at 7 if Schenn/Kane are gone.
June 21st, 2009 at 11:57 am
The real ball of confusion in this draft is the economic situation. There are some teams that have to win now. I do not see any of these guys coming into the league and getting more than 50 points. Which means none of them are going to be big impact for 2 years. Brayden Schenn needs to sit in the WHL all year and compete in the memorial cup.
I think the economics of missing the playoffs for Tampa, Atlanta, Phoenix and LA are really significant. NYI are screwed no matter what since their team is deplorable. So I think there is a better than average probability that the four teams will make a trade to get better for this year. If I were Atlanta and I could scoop Kaberle for my pick and maybe get a Leafs 2nd rounder Id do it in a heart beat.
June 21st, 2009 at 11:57 am
MPS is very gifted, and just because Brian Burke seems to lean towards “the Getzlaf mould” doesn’t mean he won’t be a leaf. You have to remember, in Vancouver he had Naslund and Anaheim he had Selanne. Both very skilled Scandinavians. Despite the lack of finish at the WJC, he definitely made his presence felt, and few can deny the raw talent this kid has.
I can’t imagine being upset no matter who we draft in the top 10.
June 21st, 2009 at 12:03 pm
@Paso, Cowan was in fact at the combine – Friday’s group at 4:10. His medical charts have been thoroughly been over by many teams.
http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/story/?id=280255
June 21st, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Gustavsson to make decision by June 29th:
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/ccustance.tsn/193906
June 21st, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Burn-yes he was there but he did not participate in the actual tests it is my understanding
June 21st, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Correction. Gustavsson to make his decision by my birthday.
June 21st, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Hey Alex. You can make that 33% of getting Gustavsson in the buds BECAUSE Colorado’s management is UNSTABLE!!!!!
June 21st, 2009 at 12:47 pm
In Gustavsson’s interview on Sportsnet he speaks of talking with guys like Frogren and Salming – who apparently say good thnigs about Toronto – so I am wishfully thinking that Gustavsson may be leaning the Leafs way.
Lots of reasons to choose Toronto – if you were a hockey player, where would you rather play, where fans live and die hockey, or in Dallas? (our chief competitor probably)
We can only hope!
June 21st, 2009 at 12:52 pm
@ Paso, if you look at the link I posted from TSN it says he participated in the workouts. It says that he and Hedman participated in the same group and their long limbs may have allowed them to have good workouts.
June 21st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
[...] MLHS profiles Magnus Paajarvi Svensson. [...]
June 21st, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I’m not big on MPS and in fact I would be surprised if he went top ten. The Leafs have enough one-dimensional players.. no matter how good they may be on that one dimension. The biggest hole for the Leafs is defensive play and I hope Burke drafts with that in mind. No purely offensive players until the later rounds if someone has slipped through the cracks.
June 21st, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Ek confirms Burkie’s going after pick 5 and LA after #3.
Also, I’m quite impressed that there hasn’t been any serious media leakage on the Gustavson meeting.
June 21st, 2009 at 4:46 pm
@leafs89: Just for the record, Ek doesn’t “confirm” anything…if fact, by Ek saying it that probably means the chances of it being true have decreased.
June 21st, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Ek is confirming that one of his sources told him that was in play … that’s all. Doesn’t mean it will or will not happen … all that it confirms is that it has been discussed, on some level … in other words, the rumour Burke may be after the 5th is not a fabrication, but is based on something tangible. That’s all there is to it. Whether or not a deal actually gets made, or even proposed, is another matter entirely.
June 21st, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Well what I was getting at is that nothing Ek says has any real legitimacy. If there are other rumors and Ek posts it as well that makes it no less likely that it’s being talked about than the original report.
The comment was really more tongue-in-cheek than anything.
I hope it’s true.
June 21st, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Leafer:
No, I get what you are saying. And I actually agree. Not in the sense that because Ek says it, it won’t come true … though that does make for a decent joke.
.
Personally, though, I don’t think it matters who says what right now … I have “sources” also, and if three of them text me to give a scoop on a particular player, I have three completely different stories. I have no way of knowing which is right … if I make a call on it, it’s usually just what seems most logical to me … but just because I think it doesn’t make it so. Same goes for Eklund.
.
(Although when I do hear something, I usually make an effort to state up front that it is just speculative … it’s only fair to you guys that I do so.)
.
At the end of the day, it is reassuring that the talk I’ve heard has been said elsewhere, also. It adds some reassurance that the rumour hasn’t just been pulled out of someone’s a**. Everything is chatter right now, and some of it will come to fruition, and some of it may not. No one can really know for sure … not even Eklund.
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:28 am
I don’t think MPS is what the Leafs need at this point. I’d really like to see them get Schenn or Kane. I think the gritty style these two play will have a positive influence on their teammates. MPS has struggled and has plummeted many mock drafts, I don’t think the Leafs can afford to take a risk with this draft pick. Get a sure fire 1st line player and continue building that way.
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:15 am
comparing mps with forsberg? are these the same people that said stralman is the next lidstrom. with Gustafson isn’t toronto closer then the other markets to Sweden. I think that would make a diffence too.
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:48 am
I don’t know if that makes a difference mlfor life, I’m sick of waiting to know where Gustavsson will choose. I hope he chooses Toronto, at this point I just want an indication of where he plans on going.
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:52 am
I think Burke is going for 2 picks in the top 10-15.
He knows that two studs drafted this year will mean that the leafs have two potential stars in 2-3 years when they are competitive. Plus it will reduce the need to play basement dwellers for upcoming drafts and the Leafs can fill up on some FA’s and make some playoff revenues.
MY personal feelings on Burke’s moves on Friday are (based on nothing but gut feel):
1.Trade Kaberlie/Kubina+ 2nd ATL or LA’s top 10 pick
2. Draft B. Schenn or E. Kane
3a. Draft MSP or…
3b. Trade down to the 13-16 range and draft a big plugger like Kassian if it looks like he’ll be around and trye to get another 2nd rounder.
If Burke can pull something like this off this year, I’m getting a Leaf’s jersey with his name on the back– and I’ll wear it proudly.
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:54 pm
If the Leafs stay in their current draft position, they’ll get a good prospect. I’m more interested in what else they can walk away with after this draft. Two or three of of the following is on my wish list, Kassian, Robin Lehner, Taylor Doherty, Marcus Foligno, Ethan Werek, Michal Hlinka.
If Cowen is left at #7, I’d suggest Burke trade down (a la Isles last year), a couple of times to add more picks in the 2nd & third rounds and still put the Leafs in a position to draft Kassian in the first round. Thereafter, target Lehner, Werek, and Taylor Doherty. Doherty will make up for passing on Cowen.
June 23rd, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Agree with you jq, that is the right strategy.
July 28th, 2009 at 8:34 am
Hi,
Thank you! I would now go on this blog every day!
November 30th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Your article is write very well, I like it very much ~
nike sb dunks
ghd Hair Straightener
adidas shoes
adidas shoes sale
ghd Hair Straighteners
ghd straighteners
GHD
hair straighteners
bose in ear headphones
bose on ear headphones
bose in ear
bose on ear
bose headphones for sale
buy bose headphones
nike dunks
I wish you have a wonderful day!Thank you.
December 12th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
ecosystems temperatures…
page greenhouse report country digital compared webmate 2001…
December 27th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
We guarantee we provide the cheapest ghd, ghd Hair Straighteners,ghd straighteners, ghd hair tools in the market and 100% Quality Guarantee.