The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by members of the Die By The Blade community. It was a combination of six staff writers and over 485 fans that ranked players under the age of 25 as of August 10, 2021. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production to rank each player.
The Buffalo Sabres drafted the Swedish prospect with their second first rounder in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, choosing to bet on the speed and talent of Isak Rosen with their 14th overall pick.
The teenager has always shined brightest when playing with his peer age group, using his quick shooting ability to excellent effect.
He finds spaces to operate in the busiest areas of the ice, and is considered an elite playmaker despite being more of a goalscorer at the junior level.
Rosen was expected to go in the 15-25 range so there were some eyebrows raised when the Sabres called his name, but he remains an exciting prospect who is committed to Leksands for the 2021-22 season and is already off to a bright start scoring a goal in the club’s first game of the SHL season.
“Despite his small frame, Rosén’s acceleration and control have made him a mainstay in the Leksand lineup. His aforementioned speed helps to create odd-man rushes and breakaway opportunities. His vision pairs with this, making him a dependable playmaker. Although shadowed at times by his strengths, his lack of size and physicality is still noticeable, particularly along the boards. Gaining more muscle will not happen overnight, but it should not be a major detriment to his long-term future.”
– Alexa Potack, Dobber Prospects
Rosen is projected to be a top six winger in the NHL and is on the right track to get there.
“In the offensive zone at the junior level, Rosén is a dual threat. He can use his high-end shot to score, but also dissect defenses with his plus-passing. For a smaller player he also drives to the net hard, and does not mind mixing it up in the tougher areas of ice, despite not being very physical.”
– Alex Appleyard, Smaht Scouting
Here’s a bit of video to check out:
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