Henrik Samuelsson

Aaron Vickers

A big, power winger with some offensive ability. He is the son of former NHLer Ulf and plays the game on the same line his father crossed so many times before. He skates with heavy boots and a choppy stride but gets to where he needs to and has some decent balance. His skating will improve as he adds leg strength and lengthens his stride. He is physical and willing to both take a hit and dish one out. He is strong on the wall, as well as down low, and uses his size to his ad- vantage by protecting the puck and forcing his way through seams. He seems to be a bit hesitant offensively after coming over mid-season from the Swedish Elite League where his father coaches. He drives the net and plays with an edge that NHL teams love. He has a quick stick and a decent shot that make him dangerous below the circles. He shows a willingness to come back into his own zone, but he can be lazy in that regard at times. He isn’t really a natural fighter, but will go if provoked. His questionable offensive upside and skating deficiencies are the only weaknesses that keep him from first-round consideration. (May 2012)