The Rat Trick Draft Profile: Gabriel Landeskog

One of the most exciting times of the year is upon us as we are less than two weeks away from the NHL Entry Draft which takes place beginning Friday June 24th at 6:00 P.M. Eastern time. The Florida Panthers will be drafting in the third position just as they did last season, and we here at the Rat Trick are going to break down some of the possiblities.

Today, we’ll take a look at Gabriel Landeskog who had 36 goals and 30 assists for the Kitchner Rangers this season. Landeskog is projected to go in the top five picks this year.

One of the most highly skilled players available in the draft, Landeskog put up great numbers with the Kitchener Rangers. The young Swede’s passion and talent made him the captain of the Rangers this year… His combination of leadership and skill draws comparisons to Daniel Alfredsson and Jarome Igilna.

GM and Head Coach, Steve Spott, compares him to one of the best Rangers in hockey history, Mike Richards. The first European Captain in Ranger history, Landeskog looks to be a player who contribute in the NHL right away.

Hockey Prospects says Landeskog is a two-way future Captain. His bears his heart on his sleeve each game, and will be a part of any team’s plans going forward. If he can continue to get stronger, Gabriel could be a 30 goal guy at the next level if he continue to drive to the net

Hugo Sanchez who follows Kitchner says…”Gabriel Landeskog, is without a doubt the most complete player up for grabs in this NHL entry draft. Landeskog can play the game any way you want it. Every shift he brings the physical game, ranging from big hits, to standing up for a teammate with a fight. While, he shows considerable grit, he also remains on of the most skilled players in the draft and with a incredible will to win. Also, he was named the first European captain in the Kitchener Rangers history, he demonstrates great leadership qualities, which, along with his other skills, automatically brings comparisons to former Kitchener Ranger captain, Mike Richards. Landeskog is also considered the most NHL ready prospect in this years draft.”

If the Panthers can draft this guy he will bring skill and leadership to the locker room and probably be very good in this league…Dale Tallon will have some tough choices to make net week as he looks at the players available.

Thanks for reading. Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated.

Please visit our NHL main page: Too Many Men On The Site.

You can follow me on Twitter @joshluecht and the rest of the Rat Pack…Frank Rekas@TheRatTrick and David Lasseter @davidlasseter. Also, please join our Facebook Fan Pageand hit the like button.

Want The Rat Trick or another FanSided network blog on your IPhone, Android or Blackberry? Download the application now on your smartphone