7. Jonathan Davidsson, RW [21 years old]
Stats (Djurgardens IF, SHL): 52 gp, 10 g, 21 a, 31 p, 1 PPG, 3 GWG, .60 pts/g (11 pgp, 4 g, 4 a, 8 p, .73 pts/g).
One of the older prospects on this list, Jonathan Davidsson delivered on the chance the Columbus Blue Jackets took on him as an overage draft pick. He was tied for 26th in scoring, 50th in goal scoring, 26th in assists, and 47th in points per game in the regular season. But it’s the playoffs where Davidsson truly shined. He was tied for 14th in scoring, ninth in goal scoring, 20th in assists, and ninth in points per game (more than 10 games) in the playoffs. That’s the kind of performance the Columbus Blue Jackets should like to see.
with the damage he can do at even strength and in clutch situations, the Blue Jackets could always use a player of his caliber.
Davidsson will make his North American transition next season, which puts him at risk. If he’s staying in Sweden, that means his NHL readiness is in jeopardy (it’s hard to make the jump from overseas to the NHL for all but elite players) and his chances of being a Blue Jacket slim. Still, if Davidsson does make a successful transition when he does come over, he’ll be in good shape as a prospect.
And with the damage he can do at even strength and in clutch situations, the Blue Jackets could always use a player of his calibre. It just might take longer than anticipated.