23 Options for the Leafs at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft: Freij + Sahlin Wallenius

The two have spent years as teamates both in Sweden for Vaxjo and internationally for the national team

Alfons Freij (#20) for Sweden at the U18 Five Nations Tournament
Alfons Freij (#20) for Sweden at the U18 Five Nations Tournament | Michael Miller/ISI Photos/GettyImages
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QUOTES/FILM

Leo Sahlin Wallenius

"Wallenius is smart enough to be used in all situations. He’s the kind of defender who can eat heavy minutes with his approach to the game." - Jason Bukala/Sportsnet

"Sahlin Wallenius is dangerous offensively because of his smooth skating and creativity in transition. He also has quick feet and hands, capable of changing directions at will and beating opponents one-on-one. Unfortunately, he doesn’t always use this elite skillset to the best of his ability, leaving scouts wanting more at times, thus the projection of a late first-round or mid-second-round selection." - Matthew Zator/The Hockey Writers

"The offensive instincts are there, and he’s been able to rip apart opponents at the U-20 level." - Steven Ellis /Daily Faceoff

He’s a transition defender who is among the best pure skaters and passers in the class, and one of the safest players in the offensive zone. The downside is that he can play like a pylon in his own end… Worth the risk? - Seth Ditchfield/DobberProspects

Alfons Freij

"A remarkably mobile blueliner with skating ability that jumps out at you, Freij has some physical tools that are enticing." - Chris Peters/FloHockey

"With just some refinement, the 6-foot-1 defenseman could really take the next step in his development. His numbers have been great internationally and he’s one of the best offensive defensemen in the Swedish U-20 league." - Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff

"Freij quarterbacks the power play and produces offence. His detail defensively ranges at times, but he has time on his side to work on being more consistent in his zone." - Jason Bukala/Sportsnet

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