Islanders 2012 Draft Central - Pontus Aberg and Andrei Vasilevski

In the days leading up to the NHL Draft, newyorkislanders.com will break down the top 50 eligible prospects

Monday, 06.11.2012 / 12:00 AM / Islanders 2012 Draft Central

By Travis Betts

Pontus Aberg
Djurgardens IF, SEL (Sweden)

Position:	LW	Shoots:	Right
Height:	5'11"	Born:	23-Sep-93
Weight:	194	Hometown:	Stockholm, SWE

2011-12	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM
Djurgardens	47	8	7	15	6

Andrei Vasilevski
Tolpar Ufa, MHL (Russia)

Position:	G	Catches:	Left
Height:	6'3"	Born:	25-Jul-94
Weight:	204	Hometown:	Tyumen, RUS

2011-12	GP	GAA	SV%
Tolpar Ufa	27	2.23	.931

Pontus Aberg posted 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 47 games with Djurgarden of the Swedish Elite League in 2011-12, his first season in Sweden’s top league. The Stockholm native is very fast, and is more prone to shooting than passing. Although Djurgarden was relegated into Sweden’s second division, the 5’11”, 194-pound winger showed the ability to contribute in the professional ranks and will probably continue his development overseas for the next year or two.

The top goaltending prospect on our list, Andrei Vasilevski played junior hockey for Tolpar Ufa in Russia the last two seasons. However, more fans will recognize him from his international play, as he has been starting in goal for Russia in junior competition since he was 15 years old. Vasilevski’s shining moment was at the 2012 World Junior tournament, where he posted a 2.01 goals-against average and a .953 save percentage in five games. Despite his 6’3”, 204-pound frame, Vasilevski has quick lateral mobility, and has scouts impressed with his athleticism and ability to get into the butterfly position.

Trent Klatt, Islanders Player Development
Pontus Aberg has a good mind for the game and it showed early this year in the Swedish Elite League. He has good hands and a good skill set.

Trent Klatt, Islanders Player Development
Andrei Vasilevski has good size in the net and he positions himself well. He has the ability to win games all by himself.

Goran Stubb, NHL Director of European Scouting
He's a big guy with excellent size and that helps him cover the net very well. His angles and positional play are excellent and he has very good instincts, reads the game well. He's a game-winning goalie.

Click here for Islanders 2012 Draft Central's breakdown of the top-50 players available in this year's draft.

Pontus Aberg (left) of Djurgardens IF and Andrei Vasilevski (right) of Tolpar Ufa are the #22 and #21 ranked draft prospects.

Edmonton Oilers
2.

Columbus Blue Jackets
3.

Montreal Canadiens
4.

New York Islanders
5.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Round 1 - 4th overall
Round 2 - 34th overall
Round 3 - 65th overall
Round 4 - 103rd overall (from BUF)
Round 5 - 125th overall
Round 6 - 155th overall
Round 7 - 185th overall

Islanders last five first-round picks
2011: Ryan Strome (5th overall)
2010: Nino Niederreiter (5th overall)
2009: John Tavares (1st overall)
2008: Josh Bailey (9th overall)
2006: Kyle Okposo (7th overall)

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