It was tough getting a read on Rasmus Bergqvist. Eyes On The Prize reached out to a few different sources, including Skellefteå AIK’s head coach Robert Ohlsson. Even while on vacation, Mr. Ohlsson answered and sent the request to Skellefteå AIK’s U20 coach, Joel Rönnmark, who gave quite interesting answers regarding the Montreal Canadiens last pick of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Rönnmark started by expressing his happiness that Montreal chose Bergqvist, and that he hopes that his player makes a good impression at development camp.
Can you describe Rasmus to us? I haven’t seen a lot of U20 games this year, and few have good insight into his strengths.
He has good size, and I think he will grow even more, even if he has grown quite a bit during the three years I have had him on my team. His is a good skater, even with his size, and with the way we are practising in Skellefteå, he will develop further in that area during the upcoming season.
He has better hands than you might expect. He uses those skills to get out of difficult situations and still have the puck under his control, thereby giving him the opportunity to start the play and join the rush when the opportunity arises.
He is tough to play against. He likes to deliver a hit when the time is right. He also has a good reach to cut passing lanes, and he doesn’t shy away from getting into the shooting lanes.
What can Montreal fans expect for the upcoming season? Skellefteå AIK are defending champions, and will also participate in Champions Hockey League. Is there a chance that he can break into the A-team and get professional minutes?
He has the foundation and opportunity to be a leader on Skellefteå’s U20 team. He should be able to contribute both offensively and defensively. He will compete and be the one, or one of the first few, to be called upon for practices and/or games when the opportunity arises.
As with plenty of last-year Juniors, he will have the challenge of facing seasoned professionals, especially [on the defensive side] without the puck when facing SHL [or other professional] players in order to make the A-team down the line. The focus really should be to become stronger and be more impactful in his game.”
