Kraken Prospect Remarked As “Fundamentally Very Responsible and Plays Hockey Like A 30-Year Old”

Seattle Kraken prospect Zeb Forsfjall was praised by his head coach for being a responsible forward.

In an article by Peter Ekholm of NHL.com/sv, Forsfjall’s head coach of his SHL team, Skellefteå AIK, praised the 2023 sixth-round pick for his fundamentally sound game.

“He is fundamentally very responsible and plays hockey like a 30-year-old. He already did that when he came up and made his debut against Timrå from 17 years ago,” said Robert Ohlsson. “He makes incredibly good decisions and is careful with the balances, very good in box play and in the circle. He is a complete team player. A player like that can be used in any team. There is a clear profile on him, early on.”

Skelleftea AIK were the SHL champions and the 19-year-old played in 16 postseason games recording a goal. Listed at just 5’9, Forsfjall is a bit undersized but makes up for it with his hockey IQ.

“You want to come in and take a place and take the role you are given, and make the best of the situation,” said Forsfjall. “Then build from there and develop the other things after taking that role. Then you want to build yourself up and take on an even bigger role.”

The Skellefteå, Sweden native still wants to be able to provide offence without sacrificing his defensive play. In 14 SHL games, Forsfjall has zero goals and three assists. Playing in a league against other men at just 19 years old is a tough task and it’s expected that he wouldn’t light up the league with insane production.

His ability to find a way to be a trusted player on his team is a good sign of what he can become. He played for Sweden at the 2024 World Juniors where he won silver and should play a larger role this year as a returnee.

The goal for Forsfjall is to continue to improve, carve out a bigger role with Skelleftea AIK and eventually make the transition to North American hockey.

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