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#10 Axel Holmstrom
Pos: C/RW
D.O.B.: 6/29/96
From: Arvidsjaur, SWE
Height: 6'
Weight: 198
Shoots: Left
Drafted: 2014 draft 7th rnd, 196th overall by Detroit (NHL)
Acquired: Signed 3 yr contract with Detroit (NHL) 6/15/15
Personal:
Plus: Solid defensive forward who plays well in traffic... See the ice well and is an adept passer... Has shown a willingness to go to the front of the net in the North American game...
Minus: Skating is a bit slow... Offensive game has been inconsistent... Intensity level could use a boost...
Organizational Comments: Red Wings Asst GM - Ryan Martin "He's smart, gritty, competitive, likes to go to the front of the net, He has good hands and hockey sense. He needs to work on his skating. (Red Wings director of European scouting) Hakan Andersson really likes him. He's trending upwards."
What GRC says: 2016-17 Not your stereotypical European player, the gritty forward actually seemed to play better during the tighter checking and more physical play evident in the playoffs, relishing the battle. Holmstrom looked very solid defensively in his brief AHL debut and spent a lot of time battling in front of the net. It remains to be seen how well his offensive game will translate, and his skating, while not awful, could use some work. He is expected to start the season in Grand Rapids, now fully recovered from the knee injury that kept his in Sweden last season.
Fall 2017 This could be a big season for the talented forward. He looks to be slotting in as the second line center and should see a lot of ice time in all situations. He looks like a veteran, impressing with his low panic point and is defensively responsible. The question will be what his offensive output will be at the AHL level over a full season. He has the talent to put up big numbers, but in his limited preview, has not displayed that yet.
2017-18 Putting a below par first half of the season behind him, Holmstrom looked to be finding his game for a brief stretch midseason. His skating looked a bit better and he even chipped in some timely offense. Things quickly plummeted for the gritty forward and he found himself a frequent scratch before injury problems took their toll. He may never be an offensive dynamo, but could be a dependable defensive forward if he could develop his intensity and consistency. Frequently slotted at center due to the team's lack of depth, he appeared much more effective (and comfortable) on the wing. He needs a big season of growth in the AHL next year to get back on the prospect radar.
Role: Two-Way Center
Projection: NHL 3rd Line Center

Statistics:

Transactions
6/15/15 Signed 3 yr contract with Detroit (NHL)
4/2/17 Reassigned by Detroit (NHL) from Skelleftea (SHL)
10/1/17 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)