Hockey Prospectus (link)
“In Filip Forsberg, Nashville obtained a true elite prospect… Forsberg is highly skilled, with true plus puck skills and the ability to make defenders miss with consistency. He not only has top-end offensive talent, but also a good power game and a great work ethic. One NHL executive described him as a player who “instinctually seeks out contact” and shows the great effort level to win battles. These attributes help him maintain puck possession with more than just his great one-on-one moves.”
Hockey’s Future (link)
“Forsberg is a Swedish forward with outstanding offensive instincts, superb puckhandling skills, and good speed. He is not overly big but the power forward makes up for lack of size with his strength. Forsberg has already been in big games as part of Sweden’s 2012 U20 World Junior Championship team and he served as captain of the silver medal winning U18 team.”
Elite Prospects (link)
“A highly skilled two-way player. Forsberg is blessed with first class hockey sense and puck skills. He is a creative player, somewhat flashy, and can do the unexpected. In addition to being a great stick handler, he has also a very powerful shot and overall the tools to become a high scoring player.”
Red Line Report (link)
“Heavy shooting power winger is the complete package. Ultra-competitive and will take a constant pounding from opponents who clearly target him, yet just keeps on coming. Has an absolutely hellacious shot, particularly on 1-timers. Shows a true sniper’s mentality and sometimes looks a bit selfish taking shots from odd angles but is actually quite creative and can saucer passes on the tape through traffic.”
McKeen’s Hockey (link)
“He’s a brilliant power-forward whose skating and shot are already elite by NHL standards. His shot explodes off his blade and he constantly puts himself in good positions to score. He’s always trying to create offensively and is very dangerous due to his long reach and active stick in the offensive zone. His skill and willingness to assert himself to make a play is also impressive. Forsberg’s stride and speed round out his game since he’s extremely agile on his skates and moves effortlessly on the ice.”
The Hockey News’ 2012 Draft Preview magazine
“Forsberg has the physical tools to play in the NHL and is a more complete player than most at his age. In a rare departure, scouts like what they see from him in the defensive zone but want more at the other end.”
THN’s Future Watch 2013 magazine
“Another elite skill position player with good hands. Forsberg played for Sweden at the last two World Juniors. He is more sniper than playmaker and not ready for the phyisical grind of the NHL. He plays for Leksand in the Allsvenskan — Sweden’s second-highest pro league — and is holding his own.”
My NHL Draft (link)
“Forsberg is an offensive threat who has a quick shot, crisp passes and soft hands. He can dangle around opposing defencemen and come in on goal very well. He was one of only a few 1994-born players to represent their countries at the 2011 World Under-18s, helping Sweden win silver after the heartbreaking overtime loss to the United States. Forsberg took the place of an injured Sebastian Collberg and he did not look out of place at all. He impressed many with his slick skating and his great on-ice vision.”
Dan Marr, NHL Director of Central Scouting
“He’s got that dynamic two-way power forward game. He’s quite aggressive on the puck but he shows a really soft touch around the net because he produces in key situations.”
Goran Stubb, NHL Director of European Scouting
“A leader who shows by example. I would compare him to Anaheim’s Corey Perry a little bit. Has a nose for the net and often scores the big goals. He’s a creative playmaker, good skater with fine straight-ahead speed. He’s a right-handed forward with an excellent shot and an effective two-way player with a great winning attitude.”
In his own words (pre-draft):
—
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Erhardsson (permission pending)