2020 NHL Draft prospect profile: Anton Lundell scouting report

Potential, NHL Comparison, and NHL Readiness

Lundell, like with most of the prospects in this draft, has elite potential. He possesses high-end skills on both ends of the ice that can become solid over time. However, the style he plays is very exuberant. The high-energy and sloppy play makes me question how safe he is to select early.

I have concerns that if he does not improve upon his positioning and edge work, and his defensive zone play remains lackluster, then he could be the next big bust. However, odds are he turns out just fine, and at the very least becoming a middle-six center, with powerplay capabilities.

My concern for Lundell is his NHL-readiness. He is at least two or three years away from being an NHL player if he develops smoothly. However, compared to surrounding prospects, he’s a little further out. That said, an NHL team that drafts Lundell and watches other prospects taken before and after their selection flourish in the NHL before Lundell can adapt, they could grow impatient and thrust him into a role he isn’t ready for. That alone could kill a prospect’s development quickly.

Finally, let’s look at some comparables. Lundell reminds me of a slower version of Brayden Point. The reason I say this is because Point possesses an incredible shot and under-utilized playmaking abilities, while also being reliable in his own end.

If Lundell could develop his skating further, as well as his overall defensive game, he could be Brayden Point 2.0. However, that’s an unfair comparison to have at this moment, but it’s safe to say that he plays a very similar style with very similar skill sets.