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With the 16th Pick in the SB Nation Mock Draft, the Washington Capitals Select…

If you’ve been following SBN Hockey’s network-wide mock draft, you know that the Caps are on the clock, which means we’re on the clock for them.

Earlier in the week, we selected Zemgus Girgensons with the 11th pick. One year ago, drafting in the 26th slot, we selected Scott Mayfield (he ended up going to the Islanders with the 34th pick in the actual draft, and the Caps, of course, traded the 26th pick to Chicago in exchange for Troy Brouwer; the Blackhawks drafted Phillip Danault with the pick). Two years ago, also drafting 26th overall, we took Brock Nelson (he ended up going to the Isles at 30th in the real draft; Caps pick Evgeny Kuznetsov was off the board already).

This time around, we’re pleased to select… left wing Pontus Ã…berg out of Djugardens of the Swedish Elite League.

Here he is in action:


Per Corey Pronman, who ranks Aberg as the 9th-best prospect in the draft:

And at midseason, here’s what TSN had to say:

Made Sweden’s world junior team only to suffer a shoulder injury in a pre-exhibition match against Canada on a hard hit from Jamie Oleksiak, knocking him out of action for a month. He’s already playing in the Swedish Elite League. Strengths: A very creative player, good in tight spaces, able to spin away from trouble, has a quick, heavy wrist shot and slap shot. Also a good puck handler, able to come up with passing options. A conscientious two-way player with good balance on his skates and is a strong, natural goal scorer who likes to shoot. Weaknesses: Not overly large, his durability may be a concern unless he bulks up even more. He could use his teammates a little more. NHL upside: Has been compared to Marcus Johansson and has the offensive tools to be a top six forward who takes care of his own end.

Not knowing what the Caps’ vision for the future is in terms of style of play, picking a conscientious, speedy forward who likes to shoot doesn’t seem like a bad idea at all. And heck, you can never have too many Swedes…

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