The Leo Sahlin Wallenius Deep Dive

Leo Sahlin Wallenius is a big defenseman in a small defenseman's body. At only 6'0" and 183 pounds, he doesn't play how you would expect a smaller defenseman to play.

Sahlin Wallenius's game shines when creating zone exits and transitioning the puck, but leaves you wanting more in the offensive zone.

He spent last year on the Växjö Lakers J20 team and played many games for Team Sweden internationally.

Sahlin Wallenius scored at a solid point-per-game pace in the J20, including 11 goals, and in international play, he had 25 points in 28 games, but the scoring isn't what makes him such a tantalizing prospect. It's how he moves the puck.

Leo Sahlin Wallenius (27) does a great job of beating one defender and using his speed to draw in other defenders, creating space for his teammates. He protects the puck and finds a teammate in the high slot for a solid scoring chance. This is what will make Sahlin Wallenius an NHL player.

He can also start the transition by finding open teammates and creating Erik Karlsson-esque passes (I'M NOT SAYING HE IS ERIK KARLSSON). He has many tools in the transition toolbox that need to be applied in the different zones.

Shalin Wallenius in the offensive zone is a very meat and potatoes player. He will keep it simple and usually make the right play, but he doesn't wow you and often leaves you wanting more, and when he does try something a bit more creative, it doesn't go well.

This is where it appears to be a confidence issue in smaller spaces. If Sahlin Wallenius can apply the same tools he has in the transition game in the offensive zone, you could see a growth in his scoring potential. While Sahlin Wallenius is effective in the offensive zone, it comes more from just making a simple play. The creativity just isn't where you'd expect it to be.

In the defensive zone, Sahlin Wallenius is competitive and isn't afraid to be physical despite his lack of size. He is usually sticky with his assignments but can get lost occasionally.

Despite the physical tools (aka being 6'3"), Sahlin Wallenius has the makings to be a plus defender who relies on positioning and skating. He puts in a good effort to be physical enough to be a menace but will probably excel if he has a more physical partner to lean on.

For Leo Sahlin Wallenius, the tools are there for him to be a good NHL defender who can be a transition wizard. He needs more confidence in the offensive zone and more reps in the defensive zone. Don't expect him to jump to San Jose anytime soon, but he should be NHL-ready once he arrives.