The Canadiens are seriously interested in young Swedish D-man Gabriel Eliasson

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Elias Edmonson
June 9, 2024 (10:09)

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Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens have reportedly targeted Gabriel Eliasson for their next acquisition, ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft.

According to journalist Patrik Bexell, the Canadiens have indeed shown a significant interest in Eliasson.

Don't be surprised if Montreal acquires him.

The Canadiens are Seriously Interested in Gabriel Eliasson

We're talking about a strong young Swedish defenseman here.

«The Canadiens are one of the clubs that spoke to Gabriel Eliasson from Kungsbacka. He is huge and played for HV71 in the U20 league.

Eliasson tells Johan Rylander that the Canadiens are genuinely interested in his development and are one of the clubs he has talked to the most.» - Patrik Bexell

According to the excellent Bob McKenzie, he is the 55th best prospect available for the 2024 NHL Draft.

Here's a good analysis.

«Eliasson's size is beneficial, but as we have historically seen, it is never a guarantee of success in the NHL. More often than not, players of this size fade before reaching the NHL.

However, if Eliasson is able to keep up with the pace of the league, he could then become a very solid lower-tier defenseman. His skating, however, is the most significant issue that could prevent him from becoming a regular in the NHL.» - The Hockey Writers

A name to remember.

Eliasson, 17, is a 6-foot-6, 192-pound left-shot defenseman. He has amassed six points in 36 games this season in Sweden, along with 103 penalty minutes. He has maintained a negative differential of -3.

He will continue his journey here in North America at the University of Michigan in the NCAA, which is very interesting.

Credit: HABSolumentFan
Le Canadien aurait un géant défenseur suédois dans sa mire