The Scouting Report
Alfons Freij is a 6-foot-1 and 193-pound defenseman who was born on February 12, 2006. He played for eight teams last season and combined for 27 goals and 57 assists for 84 points in 89 games to go with 64 penalty minutes. Most notably, 40 games last season were spent with the Vaxjo Lakers J20 team. An up-and-coming defenseman, he is what the position is becoming and that is a position that acts like a fourth forward and is filled with flawless skating. He has committed to play for IF Bjorkloven of HockeyAllsvenskan for the 2024025 season.
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Draft Projections
Ranked #37 by EliteProspects.com
Ranked #31 by TSN/ Craig Button
Ranked #35 by Daily Faceoff
Ranked #13 by NHL Central Scouting (EU Skaters)
Ranked #18 by Dobber Prospects
Ranked #36 by Conrad Jack of Inside the Rink
I’ve highlighted some of Alfons Freij’s attributes. Let’s take a deeper dive into his attributes and areas for improvement.
Puck Movement
His puck movement is one of wizardry. He creates opportunities with his passing and finds seams in the defense to allow a teammate to skate in on goal. Freij’s movement of the puck allows him to produce offensively at a high rate, making him a dangerous two-way defenseman. A lethal player on the power play and at full strength, he keeps the puck alive by putting the puck into the offensive zone.
Graceful Skater
Not exactly Paul Coffey, but he has that kind of graceful stride that allows him to skate freely through all three zones. He eludes forecheckers because he skates at a tremendous speed that gives him the ability to move around them with ease.In the offensive zone, he can protect the puck and skate around the zone with ease. On defense, his smooth stride puts him in a position to defend without looking out of place. One of the better skaters in the draft.
“He, too, is a fantastic skater who’s quick and agile. Freij quarterbacks the power play and produces offense. His detail defensively ranges at times, but he has time on his side to work on being more consistent in his zone.”- Jason Bakula- SportsNet -June 11
Areas for Improvement
Too Many Chances Offensively
While his offense from the blueline is something to take note of, his production could be higher if not for turnovers. he is playing the role of a fourth forward, and it cost him on occasion, leaving the opposition free to take chances on his netminder. He joins the play of his own free will, and it can be too much at times. His offense can take control of any game, leaving his defensive game somewhat suspect.
“His sense concerns me though. He plays with his head down and doesn’t make many plays. He defends fine, but his D-zone play isn’t as strong as his offensive work. I’m not sold on his NHL potential, but the tools are good enough to give him a real chance to make it.”- Corey Pronman- The Athletic- May 28
Decision-Making
While he is an offensive player, his decision-making needs attention. At both ends of the ice, he sometimes lacks awareness and gives up the puck rather easily. His passing is good, as he rushes to get the puck to an open teammate, causing turnovers. His decision-making in front of the net is average as he takes chances to go after the puck instead of covering the player in the crease.
Prospect Potential
While he does have flaws, his offense is what makes him a good, solid NHL defensive prospect. He will be a second-pairing defenseman with 35-40 point potential. If he can cut down on his mistakes, he can be more valuable to his team from the beginning. He has tremendous potential with his amazing skill set and could shine in the right spot.
Best Potential Fit
One team that could use him immediately is the Montreal Canadiens at #26. Montreal is turning the page and bringing in younger talent with high upside. Freij had the talent and offense they lacked from the defensive position. He can run the power play and use his bomb of a shot to create scoring chances on a team that needs scoring help on the blueline. He would be a tremendous addition to a team in the rebuilding mode.
Final Thought
Freij has a lot going for him as a young defenseman. He can produce offensively, he can skate, and has great attention to detail. If he can reduce the number of mistakes and the decision-making, he will make a solid NHL defenseman as soon as he hits the ice. One of the better offensive defensemen in this draft.
ITR 46: Offseason Chaos – Inside The Rink
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