Whalers draft Swedish forward Landeskog

The Plymouth Whalers selected Swedish right wing Gabriel Landeskog with the third overall pick in today's Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.

The 16-year-old Landeskog is described as "an offensively skilled forward with good speed, technical skills and hockey sense. Landeskog likes to shoot the puck and finish plays himself. Scoring touch is pretty good, but he could pass the puck more often. Does not shy away from physical contact and is a decent penalty killer."

The Whalers also had the 39th (traded to Sudbury for a fifth-round OHL draft pick in 2012) and 102nd pick (will probably pass) in the draft.

Landeskog played for Djurgarden this season, starting in the Under-18 league with four goals and five assists for nine points in five games before being promoted to the U-20 team where he had seven goals and 14 assists in 31 games. He also has international experience, tallying 13 goals and an assist in 20 international games for the Team Sweden U-17 and U-18 teams.