Draft: Countdown #2 - Adam Larsson

2. Adam Larsson

Position: Defenseman
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 216 lbs
Shoots: R
DOB: November 12th, 1992
Nationality: Swedish
2010-2011 Team: Skellefteå
League: Swedish Elite League
Stats: 37 GP - 1 G - 8 A - 9 P - 41 PIM
Playoffs: 17 GP - 0 G - 4 A - 4 P - 12 PIM

AT: Larsson is without a doubt my favorite player in this draft. He is definitely the best defenseman in this draft seeing as how he seems to be the complete package. Yahoo Sports has explored the possibility of him being Sweden's greatest defender ever, even surpassing the legendary Nick Lidstrom. Already with a body that is ready for the NHL, Larsson can step in right away, though I have heard he may spend one more year in Sweden to fulfill his contract. His hockey sense is off the charts, his outlet passing is superb, he can run the PP and his offensive upside has huge potential. His skating is decent and he is known as a very strong shutdown D-man. Larsson definitely seems to be a lock for a top 1-2 D-man on any team that drafts him.

I am absolutely praying that Garth is able to nab him. He would be a perfect fit and fill the gaping hole at D better than Hamilton would. I do not believe he will be available at 5 but I would completely endorse Garth trading up to 2-3 to get him if Florida or Colorado decides they want to go with offense. Both teams seem to be pretty offensively starved. With Florida taking Gudbranson last year and Colorado trading for Erik Johnson, It's hard to see either of them going D. I can even see the Oilers going with Larsson at 1 seeing as how there's never been any concrete proof they're definitely going with RNH. He has become a total crapshoot (as with the rest of this draft) and could be drafted at a myriad of spots. Let's hope and pray he falls to the Islanders.

CH: I concur with everything Alex has said. Larsson is the top defenseman in this draft by far. While he did have somewhat of an average year, his potential and skill set are fantastic. As far as the Islanders are concerned, it's very simple. The chances that he makes it past New Jersey are low, but not impossible. If he is there at 5, it's the biggest no-brainer the Islanders have had at the draft in recent history. Even a bigger no-brainer than taking John Tavares at #1, because his competition was close to him in ability. If Larsson manages to slip down to 5, he will be far and away the best talent on the board. Sadly, as we talked about on the podcast, we both expect Colorado to take the skilled defenseman. In that case, they will be getting a great player to complement Erik Johnson. Still, the thought of Larsson falling down to 5 is a dream, and if realized the Islanders will walk away with the steal of the draft.

Most likely to be drafted: 1-3