4. Herman Traff
HV71
The New Jersey Devils had one lone representative at the World Juniors this year. They drafted two Russians who would have been there, but geopolitical conflict still has Russia barred from international tournaments. So, Devils fans were watching Team Sweden to see Herman Traff.
Traff stood out at the tournament, scoring two goals while playing a hard-nosed version of hockey. He is a big-bodied forward that knows how to use his strength and size to his advantage. He’s beyond his years in that aspect of the game. Usually, big players still try to outskill their opponents since they have been used to doing it in younger leagues. Traff knows what he is, and that’s why he’s successful.
The easiest way to see Traff is over, unfortunately. Seeing Traff now takes effort, as he’s in Sweden’s main league playing for HV71. He’s actually getting minutes, which is impressive for a young guy. For example, Alexander Holtz had just seven goals in his last season with Djurgårdens IF. Traff already has six this season in a third-line role.
Traff could be a team contributor in the near future, as many really liked the pick when he fell to the Devils. He needs some seasoning, but he’s already fun to watch as he plays against men.