Bengtsson is a 25-year-old Swedish defenseman the Leafs signed after the 2023-24 season as an undrafted college free-agent out of Boston College. Standing 6’3” and weighing 203 pounds, Bengtsson fits the profile of yet another big defenseman the Leafs continue to add to their prospect pipeline playing at the minor league level.
Strengths:
- Size and Physical Presence: At 6’3″, Bengtsson brings a significant physical presence to the ice. His frame allows him to effectively clear the crease and engage in physical battles, making him an asset in front of the net and along the boards.
- Puck Movement and Offensive Instincts: Bengtsson has shown consistent offensive contributions throughout his career. While not a big goal scorer in college, he did nonetheless record 55 assists over 112 games in the last 3 years of his college career between Boston College and before that, at Lake Superior State. His ability to move the puck, coupled with a good first pass, helps him transition the play out of the defensive zone.
- Defensive Reliability: He is often lauded for his responsible defensive play. With a +21 rating in his final NCAA season, Bengtsson demonstrated his ability to minimize mistakes, maintain positioning, and play a solid two-way game.
- Leadership Qualities: Serving as an assistant captain during his collegiate career shows his leadership skills, and his on-ice decision-making reflects a mature, steady presence that could translate well to the professional ranks.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of High-End Offensive Upside: While Bengtsson contributes offensively, he doesn’t possess the dynamic offensive upside of some defensemen. His modest scoring totals suggest that his role will likely remain more focused on defense and puck distribution rather than driving offensive play as a pro.
- Foot Speed: At times, Bengtsson’s skating, especially in terms of acceleration and quick lateral movement, has been an area for improvement. As the pace of the minor pros increases, he may need to further develop his skating ability to keep up with faster opponents.
- Physicality in Transition to Pro: While he has the size to be a physical player, transitioning from the NCAA to the minor pros will require adjusting to the more physically demanding professional game. He will need to ensure that his physicality is consistent at the pro level, especially when facing stronger competition.
Conclusion
Overall, Bengtsson projects as a steady, two-way defenseman with size and reliability. His transition to the AHL or the ECHL will test his ability to adjust to faster, more physical play, but his defensive awareness and leadership should serve him well as he looks to make his mark in professional hockey. Given his age, Bengtsson is slotted to be a depth minor league signing, and he will have a short window to make his mark within the Leafs’ organization as he is only signed for the 2024-25 season.