Red Wings Prospect Pipeline Deep Dive: Jonatan Berggren

Let’s continue our deep dive of the Detroit Red Wings prospect pool with a Swedish forward that could make his NHL debut as soon as this season – Jonatan Berggren.

2021 Statline

Skelleftea (Swedish Hockey League)

Games Played: 49

Goals: 12

Assists: 33

Team Sweden

Games Played: 13

Goals: 1

Assists: 7

Measurables

LW

5-foot-11

183 Pounds

21-years-old

Scouting Report

Berggren was seen as a steal in the 2018 NHL Draft, slipping to the second pick of the second round. However, in Berggren’s draft +1 year, a lower-back injury sidelined him for all but 16 games with the SHL’s Skelleftea. The 2019-20 season was also a disappointment; a nagging shoulder injury forced Berggren to undergo surgery just 24 games into the season. With all the bumps to his early career, Berggren really didn’t get a shot to prove himself in the pros after being drafted.

Until 2020-21.

Finally, Berggren was able to illustrate his skills over a solid stretch of hockey – and he did just that. Although he cooled off towards the end of the year, Berggren’s impressive 45 points (12 goals and 33 assists) in 49 games tied for first in the entire league for players under 25 (Tied with Simon Ryfors).

Berggren is a pure playmaker and goal-scorer. He’s just one of those players that knows how to put up points. Berggren’s puck control is perhaps the best in Detroit’s pipeline; his patience and soft hands are good enough to fool experienced opponents. Berggren is always waiting for the perfect opening, whether it be the slightest opening a goaltender’s defense or the perfect high-danger scoring pass.

When he’s not patiently waiting for an opponent to make a mistake, Berggren revs up his motor to force a defensive turnover or will an offensive chance. While he’s not necessarily billed as a two-way forward, Berggren turns up the heat defensively, especially on the forecheck. Just like on offense, Berggren is always just waiting for a defensive mistake to capitalize on; if it doesn’t happen, he’ll try and force it.

An excellent passer, a solid shooter and a high-skilled forward, Berggren is one of the best pure offensive prospects in Detroit’s pipeline.  His top-six potential was brilliantly clear this season – the only real question with Berggren is his ability to transition his skillset to the NHL and his history of injuries.

ETA: 2021-22

Berggren signed his entry-level contract this season, so he’s heading over to North America. Barring an insane performance in training camp, he’ll likely begin his year in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

However, Berggren already has success against men in one of the best pro-leagues outside of the NHL. He might not need too much time adjusting to North American ice. If Berggren can continue his impressive 2020-21 season into 2021-22, it’s only a matter of time before he makes the Red Wings main roster.