In preparation for the NHL Draft on June 26, Die by the Blade will profile potential Buffalo Sabres Draft Picks.  This feature will run daily with one or two players profiled each day.

Jacob Josefson

Center

Djurgarden (Swedish Elite League)

6'-0"  190 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden

Date of Birth:  March 2, 1991

Stats:  50 GP, 5 G, 11A, 16 PTS

Scouting Report

The Good - Josefson is not a real big player but he plays a tough physical game when he needs to.  He is best known as a two-way player that has talent at both ends of the rink.

His best offensive asset is his vision with the puck.  He is more of a play maker than he is a goal scorer.  His patience and poise make him a good offensive player.  He doesn't panic when he is pressured allowing his teammates to get in position.

He is smart and plays within his talent level.  He protects the puck nicely with his body and feet when in tight against the boards.  He is extremely tough to knock down because of his strength and outstanding balance and skating ability.

The Bad - He is not very big and is much smaller than some of the other players we have previewed.  His offensive ability will be limited at the NHL level because he looks pass first and shot second.  He is very predictable when he has the puck.

He is only an average skater with minimal speed.  His shot lacks velocity and is very slow coming off the stick which allows opposing goalies a good look at his shots.

What They Are Saying

Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb

"He is a very good two-way player. He has a very good responsibility for his defensive duties. He's more a playmaker, a guy who sees the ice really well, creates a lot of scoring chances with his passing skills.

Links

2009 NHL Draft Prospect Preview: Jacob Josefson - Blueshirt Banter

Prospect Jacob Josefson Player Profile - Hockey's Future

NHL.com - NHL Entry Draft Prospect Profiles: Josefson, Jacob

Why The Sabres Might Pick Him

He projects to be a pretty solid defensive Forward in the NHL.  The Sabres have been without a shutdown Forward since Chris Drury left via free agency two seasons ago. 

He is a pretty safe pick in that his defensive talent is good enough to play in the NHL.  Where he will fit with an NHL team is yet to be determined but he should be at least a third or fourth line Center.

Why The Sabres Might Pass on Him

His offensive limitations have to be considered with this pick.  Many late round picks fill out the third and fourth lines and the Sabres may not want to waste a first round pick on a player they feel may only be a bottom six forward.

There is also the consideration that he may not come over to North America if he can make more money by staying in Europe.  The KHL has to be a consideration when selecting any European player.