NHL Draft Preview: Victor Hedman

FanHouse is previewing the prospects of the top players and teams with high picks in Friday's NHL Draft. This is the fifth post in a six part series.

In this year's draft there's one defender that is head and shoulders above all the rest -- literally and talent wise. The 6-foot-5 Victor Hedman from Sweden is the best defenseman in this year's draft and is a unique talent for both his size and speed. At only 18, Hedman has been playing on the top defensive pairing for Modo in the Swedish Elite League and should be a solid defender in the NHL for years to come.

What He Is
Hedman is one of the most interesting defenseman to come around in a long time. He's 6-foot-5, 212 poundsBut believe it or not, what scouts are most impressed by is his speed and offensive ability. Add in the physical play that a defender of his stature can bring, and Hedman is just about anything anyone could want in a defender. He's the total package. Imagine Chris Pronger with less of a crazy streak and more offensive upside. That's about what we're looking at here.

What He Isn't
Hedman isn't a forward. If he's got one major flaw keeping him from getting drafted first overall, that would be it. The Islanders haven't had a franchise scorer in more than a decade and it would be hard to see them passing up on Tavares or Duchene. However, they're still covering all their bases and giving Hedman their full attention in interviews. And even if he isn't taken first overall, he shouldn't fall past the Lightning in the second spot as they could use a defenseman after taking Steven Stamkos first last summer.

For the Stat Geeks