Top 25 Chicago Blackhawks Prospects: Filip Roos debuting at #24
The first defenseman to make the list is 23-year-old Filip Roos
Filip Roos
Position: LHD
Age: 23
Physical Attributes: 6’4”, 190-pounds, left-handed
Acquired: Undrafted Free Agent signed in 2022
Expected 2022/23 Team: Chicago Blackhawks / Rockford IceHogs (NHL/AHL)
2021/22 Stats: Six points (1G, 5A), 8 PIMs, 53 SOG, 1.89 SH%, 51.3 Corsi%, and 15:37 TOI/GP in 50 SHL GP
Contract Status: Two years, $925k (entry-level contract)
Coming in at #24 on my list is Swedish defenseman Filip Roos. Roos is a 23-year-old left-handed defenseman who spent the 2021/22 season with Skellefteå AIK of the SHL. He recorded six points and a 51.3 Corsi% in 50 SHL games. He also made his international debut for Sweden’s National team this year, where he put up two points in seven games.
The 23-year-old Swede is heralded for the rare combination of being an excellent skater and having great size (6’4”). His skating makes him a dangerous player in transition. He’s effective at both carrying the puck up ice as well as passing the puck up ice. Due to Roos’ size he has great reach and has an active stick in the defensive zone. His skating also helps him retrieve pucks in the defensive zone and evade pressure in the offensive zone.
There are still some warts in Roos’ game though. Like many young players he struggles with consistency, or lack thereof. Sometimes he can go end-to-end and other times he has a bad turnover in his own end. He also needs to get stronger and consistently use his size to his advantage.
What Others Are Saying:
“He can play on both ends. He’s good with the puck. He can skate with the puck. He can take the puck from our D-zone to the O-zone with just his skating ability. But he can also play a really good defensive game.”
- Robert Ohlsson, Skellefteå AIK Coach
“He’s been on the radar for quite a long time. He was in Karlskoga the year before, and we liked him as a project more back then and he was really taking steps. This guy is such a good skater and to be a big guy. He needs to be more aggressive. Hopefully, he can watch a lot of hockey from the NHL and how much faster it is over here. That’s the main goal this summer to really prepare for the quickness. It’s pretty fun that he’s decided to sign with Chicago.”
- Mats Hallin, Blackhawks Dir. of European Scouting
“Filip is a big body who possesses strong skating abilities for his size. That’s a combination of traits that teams across the league are always searching for. Filip played valuable minutes in Sweden’s top league this season and he will strengthen our pool of defensive prospects.”
- Kyle Davidson, Blackhawks General Manager
What’s Next for Roos?
Roos will likely start the 2022/23 campaign in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs. He’ll be given time to adjust to the smaller North American ice surface and hopefully will continue to develop and hone his skills. The 23-year-old might even see some NHL time with the Blackhawks this year if everything goes well.
My Thoughts
I’m really intrigued to see what Filip Roos does this season for the Rockford IceHogs. His skillset could make him a very dangerous player if developed correctly. I think realistically he spends most of the 2022/23 season with the IceHogs and maybe gets in a few NHL games this season as well.
NHL ETA & Potential: Maybe 2022/23 but likely 2023/24, Third-pairing defenseman with PK2 upside
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