David Rundblad

Rundblad saw action in eight games for Phoenix last season, notching one point, a minus-five rating and nine blocked shots. The Coyotes remain stacked at the blue line, so significant playing time for the talented prospect is likely going to be hard to come by this season unless that defensive depth takes a major hit.

Rundblad skated in 30 NHL games last season, tallying a total of seven points, including three in six games with Phoenix. In 30 AHL games, he added 16 points and 27 PIMs, and he's expected once again to start the season in Portland -- the Yotes are just too deep on the back end for him to grab a spot for 2012-13. He will be among the short list of call-ups if and when injuries hit.

Rundblad is Ottawa's most intriguing defensive prospect entering the 2011-12 season. At only 20 years of age, the 6-2, 190-pound Swede dominated the SEL, scoring 11 goals and adding 39 assists in only 50 games. Rundblad was named the SEL's top defenseman and will look to carry that play over to the NHL in his rookie year. It may take him some time to adjust to the smaller ice size and more physical game of the NHL, but much like fellow Ottawa blueliner Erik Karlsson, the sky's the limit for the offensively gifted defenseman once he does adjust. If he can stick with Ottawa out of training camp, and there's a good chance he will since Ottawa's management speaks quite highly of him, Rundblad could put up close to 30 to 35 points with around 10 goals. He possesses excellent puck skills, on-ice vision, and is a fast and shifty skater. Rundlbad could be a Calder Award candidate by this season's end if all goes well.

Obtained for Ottawa’s 2010 first round pick, Rundblad, picked 17th overall in the 2009 entry draft, has been described by Ottawa’s management as a bigger Erik Karlsson. The smooth-skating Rundblad is definitely an offensive dynamo on the backend and will play another full season in the Swedish Elite League before coming over to North America for the 2011-12 season. He needs to continue to work on his defensive play and gain some more strength before he becomes effective at the NHL level. That being said, he’s a special player to watch in the coming years.