Red Wings Central
JOAKIM ANDERSSON
Joakim Andersson
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Vitals: 6'2'' / 198 lbs.
Birthdate: February 5, 1989
Hometown: Munkedal, Sweden
Acquired: Detroit's second choice (88th overall) in the 2007 draft
CSS Ranking: Fifth European skater (2007)
Contract: None (must sign by June 1, 2009)
RWC Says: Third-line center

STORIES

AWARDS
  • None listed

HISTORY
2005-06:
  • Performed well as 16-year-old with Frolunda at Sweden's under-20 level (35-9-11-20).
  • Helped Frolunda to within one game of Swedish under-20 title (7-2-5-7).
  • Represented Sweden at world under-18 championship in limited role (6-0-0-0).
2006-07:
  • Enjoyed productive year with Frolunda at Sweden's under-20 level (41-20-26-46).
  • Finished second in team scoring (8-0-7-7-) en route to Swedish under-20 title.
  • Had a plus-34 rating, 131 shots on goal and 49.8 faceoff percentage (473-948) in 49 total games.
  • Appeared in one Swedish Elite League game with Frolunda, going without a point.
  • Helped Sweden win bronze at world under-18 championship in Finland in April (6-0-1-1).
  • Ranked as high as 21st (The Hockey News) and as low as 66th (Red Line) for the NHL draft.
  • Fell to the Red Wings in the third round (88th overall) in the NHL draft.
2007-08:
  • Started season with Boras at Sweden's second level and played well (33-6-17-23).
  • Won a remarkable 55 percent of 578 faceoffs with Boras, taking 66 shots and finishing a minus-4.
  • Dominated Sweden's J-20 league in six-game stint (eight goals, 10 points).
  • Won silver as second-liner with Sweden at world junior championship in Czech Republic (6-0-6-6).
  • Placed fifth overall at world junior with a 64.5 percent faceoff percentage.
  • Worked his way into Frolunda's Swedish Elite League lineup by season's end (9-1-0-1).
  • Appeared in four playoff games in seven-game first-round loss to Farjestad (4-1-1-2).

SCOUT COMMENTS
"He plays a strong two-way game, he's got good size and he's strong on the puck. He's a cross between Joel Lundqvist and Johan Franzen, but he's got a better touch than Franzen at the same age." — Red Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill (June 2007) ... "I hate to use the comparison, but he's a (Henrik) Zetterberg type of player. The upside isn't as high (as Zetterberg's), but he's going to be a very dependable player. He might get 40 points in the NHL and give you very good defense and kill penalties." — Red Wings director of European scouting Hakan Andersson (November 2007).

STRENGTHS
Hard competitor with two-way smarts ... Responsible in his own end ... Strong on the puck ... Capable offensive touch with the vision and passing ability to make plays ... Hits and plays physical style ... Works hard and wins battles along the boards ... Outstanding on faceoffs.

WEAKNESSES
Needs to improve his skating speed and power and get quicker off the mark ... Big for his age but strength needs work ... Better conditioning would help him handle long seasons ... Needs to prove he can contribute offensively at more challenging levels.

PROJECTION
Andersson is a rock-solid prospect who could one day anchor an NHL third line or even complement more highly-skilled players on a scoring line. He will spend 2008-09 establishing himself as a regular in the Swedish Elite League with Frolunda as he works toward a contract with the Red Wings.

STATISTICS
  REGULAR SEASON PLAYOFFS
SEASON TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM GP G A PTS PIM
2005-06 Frolunda Swe-J18 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0
    Swe-J20 35 9 11 20 10 7 2 5 7 4
  Sweden W-U18 6 0 0 0 4 -- -- -- -- --
2006-07 Kungalvs Swe-3 2 0 0 0 2 -- -- -- -- --
  Frolunda Swe-J18 2 1 2 3 2 6 3 2 5 28
    Swe-J20 41 20 26 46 60 8 0 7 7 4
    Swe 1 0 0 0 0 -- -- -- -- --
  Sweden W-U18 6 0 1 1 4 -- -- -- -- --
2007-08 Boras Swe-2 33 6 17 23 26 -- -- -- -- --
  Frolunda Swe-J20 6 8 2 10 30 -- -- -- -- --
    Swe 9 1 0 1 2 4 1 1 2 0
  Sweden W-U20 6 0 6 6 2 -- -- -- -- --

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The next wave

RWC's top 10 prospects (end-of-season)
01 D Jonathan Ericsson » Grand Rapids (AHL)
02 F Darren Helm » Grand Rapids (AHL)
03 G Jimmy Howard » Grand Rapids (AHL)
04 D Jakub Kindl » Grand Rapids (AHL)
05 F Justin Abdelkader » Michigan St. (NCAA)
06 D Brendan Smith » Wisconsin (NCAA)
07 F Jan Mursak » Belleville (OHL)
08 F Cory Emmerton » Brampton (OHL)
09 F Dick Axelsson » Djurgardens (SWE)
10 D Kyle Quincey » Grand Rapids (AHL)
» COMPLETE RANKING »