Philadelphia Flyers: Breaking down the rest of the 2016 Draft

It took until the fifth round for the Flyers to draft their first defenseman. It would turn out to be Linus Hogberg. A career spent entirely in Sweden, Hogberg was projected for more of a defensive role. He can put up points, though.

With the Vaxjo Lakers HC J20 squad, Hogbeg posted seven goals and 25 points coming into the draft. It was by far the best season of his entire career. He also had three goals and 12 points for the Växjö Lakers HC J18 team.

He is more known for his defense, though, and has been one of the better play-driving defensemen in the SHL over the past few seasons. He entered the SHL full time in 2016-17 at just 17 years old. Even then he was driving play well for the Vaxjo Lakers.

The point totals have gone up every season as he is coming off a five-goal, 14 point campaign in the SHL. That was after posting point totals of 4, 6, and 10 during the last three seasons. He looks like he has the tools to be a solid defenseman.

Hogberg is still awaiting a contract from the Flyers. There is a lack of defensive depth which could allow him to earn that contract soon. It could all depend if Hogberg wants to make the transition to the North American ice. With the way he has stood out in the SHL, it would be interesting to see if he could do the same in the AHL.