Chiller Instinct

At the prompting of our Swedish hockey insider Johan Nilsson of Elite Prospects, Chiller Instinct shifts its focus to a young Kitchener Rangers' import forward, one Gabriel Landeskog.

Robin @ CI - Gabriel Landeskog played his junior in Djurgarden of the Swedish Elite League before coming over to the OHL this season. It seems as if the kid has answered every regular season challenge at every l Kit uni

evel and is yet only 16 years old. What was his development like, being thrust through the Swedish system?

Johan @ EP - Landeskog has been a top prospect in his age group since he was quite young. I actually watched his first national team game a couple of years ago, when he suited up for the Swedish U16 team. Already then, it was very obvious that his skill-set was impressive.

Looking his last season before joining the Rangers, he did indeed have a strong campaign, playing convincingly in the juniors and putting up respectable 21 points in 31 games as a rookie in the Swedish U20 league. At the end of the season he was also called up to Djurgården’s SEL team and despite his young age, he did not look out of place at all, playing against men. What became very obvious last season, was his fondness of playing the body. Both in the juniors and in the SEL, where he played very physical.

Robin @ CI - Outstanding insight Johan. Looking forward to the World Junior tournament coming at the end of this calendar year, Landeskog would likely be a strong choice to see serious minutes, even in a lesser role. He had an assist last year as a 16-year-old. What do you envision as his placement on their roster?

Johan @ EP - He has a pretty good chance of making the WJC team. Not really because of his scoring abilities, as there is a lot of offensive flair back home in Sweden, but as a role player that can play the body and do some of the dirty work, he would be a great fit. Landeskog did play a couple of junior national team games for the Swedish U20 team before the OHL season got going and he did very well there. So I’d say his chances of making the Swedish team, which could very well be one of the strongest ever on paper, are good.

Robin @ CI - The quick summary of Landeskog's ability on Elite Prospects states that he "...likes to shoot the puck and finish plays himself. Scoring touch is pretty good, but he could pass the puck more often..." Could you elaborate on him, based on your personal scouting report?

Johan @ EP - Actually, that profile description could probably use a minor update. It was written a while ago and as Landeskog was playing in the Swedish U18 juniors, he was always the player with the puck and often created scoring chances all by himself. At that point, he surely looked like more of scorer than a passer.

The following season, that is last season, he changed his game a bit playing against older players and became more physical and was often the player to win pucks in the corners and feed his teammates with passes. So I’d say his offensive game has changed a bit and he is overall a more all-round player now.

Robin @ CI - The Kitchener Rangers are once again a force in the Ontario Hockey League and remain pertinent in the Memorial Cup quest. Losing a bit of ground on their 5th place CHL ranking with their current 15-4-1-2 record last week, the Rangers stand 9th in the CHL this week. Kitchener has a 7-3 mark in their last ten contests and have a rigid test in Kingston this Friday evening.

The legendary Doug Gilmour is at the helm, they have won four straight, centre Ethan Werek was named the OHL Player of the Week, and the Frontenacs are currently the East Division leaders.

Considering the depth of the Rangers, Landeskog does not see copious amounts of powerplay ice, but has shown well thus far. It must prove his growing worth to the staff. Many like Kitchener's chances going forward. Jeremy Morin was a high pick by the Atlanta Thrashers this summer and has acquitted himself very well with 18 goals and 27 points in 21 games. Morin, Jason Akeson, 16-year-old right-handed blueliner Ryan Murphy, and Columbus Blue Jackets' first-rounder John Moore really solidify a team that has a core of players returning from the OHL championship team a couple of seasons ago.

So, by adding a player with such a multi-faceted game such as Landeskog, the Swedish National Team will have an even greater chance at this year's World Junior Championship. Interesting. This is an ideal situation for both the player and all involved. How do you feel Landeskog will eventually fit into this team?

Johan @ EP - I expect an increase when it comes to Landeskog’s productivity. He will not be a point per game player this season, but I expect him to be at least that next season, when he will have the scout’s eyes on him for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

He is adjusting this season and like with most Europeans, it is taking him some time. From what it seems, he has no problems with the physical part of game, playing the body frequently and getting involved in scrums. However, when it comes to the offensive game, it is obviously much different playing on the smaller ice surface. It will take some time for him to fully know where his teammates are, where he himself should be, when there are scoring opportunities, etc.

Robin @ CI - Landeskog had perhaps his best night in the OHL last week, when he was name Landeskog2

d the 1st star and scored two goals to defeat the Guelph Storm on Remembrance Day. He did score his second on the powerplay with assists being credited to Morin and team assist co-leader Akeson. So it seems he is gaining the trust of the coaching staff.

This is the type of player that can really add punch to a team; the buzz around the team about him is quite stirring. How you see the leadership core responding and using such a talented young and assertive player toward the common goal of a championship?

Johan @ EP - I think Landeskog’s ice time and responsibilities will increase as the season goes on. He has good character and handles most aspects of the game well. When his adjustment period is over and he looking even more comfortable out there, I bet he could become a real key player for the team along with the other players you mention.

I also believe that Landeskog will be great in the postseason play, where his never give up attitude, toughness, and offensive ability will come very in handy.

Robin @ CI - It must help having another Swede in the dressing room, especially one a few years older in defenseman Patrik Andersson (19), even if he did play for a rival program in Sweden (Brynas J20). Andersson is putting together a nice campaign himself. In closing, how much do you feel that a fellow countryman helps Landeskog in and around the team?

Johan @ EP - I think it is of great value for Landeskog to have someone to talk with in his native language, about things back home and such. Also, Landeskog is known to be a smart and mature kid, so he would have probably been just fine being the only Swede on the Kitchener roster.

Robin @ CI - That seems like a very realistic and appropriate perspective of Landeskog at this point Johan. I am certainly glad that you highlighted his play for myself and my readers. Your voice is certainly appreciated here, perhaps we could have another conversation during or immediately after the World Junior tournament? I would also love to get your thoughts about that competition just beforehand, if you would take time out of your schedule to give the readers an idea of the European perspective going into the World Juniors.