20 year-old Defenseman Christian Djoos, from Goteborg, Sweden, was a 7th round draft pick by the Washington Capitals in the 2012 NHL Draft.  Djoos recorded a career-high 17 points in 50 games (5g, 12a) with Brynas IF Galve (Sweden) last season. The 6’0”, 159-pound defenseman ranked tied for first among Brynas defensemen in goals and second in points. Djoos appeared in one game for the Hershey Bears (AHL), recording an assist in a 5-1 win over Lehigh Valley on April 19.  The following is an interview conducted with Djoos following development camp last year.

Hockey’s Future’s book on Djoos: “Djoos is the son of former NHLer Pär Djoos. Like his father he plays a two-way game and relies on all-around competency in each zone. His biggest strength is his skating, which he uses to jump into the rush. However he also likes to sit back and play the responsible game. His defense could use a little more seasoning and he will likely need added bulk and strength to compete against larger and more physical forwards. Djoos does not excel in anyone area but has few glaring weaknesses.”

Elite Hockey Prospects book on Djoos: “Son of a highly skilled offensive defenseman Pär Djoos. Christian, does not have the same level of offensive flair as his father, but is on the other hand a much better skater (although not great) and more sound defensively. He likes to join the rush and is a good passer. Somewhat undersized and needs to bulk up. Defensive game needs fine-tuning as well.  

Hockey’s Future’s outlook for Djoos: “Djoos was loaned to Brynas by the Capitals at the start of the 2014-15 season and is in his third SHL season. A late round project pick when he was selected by Washington in the 2012 NHL Draft, he has put up career highs in goals and assists and played a more prominent role for the club this season. Brynas has struggled, however, and will likely need to reach the playoffs through a play-in series. Long-term Djoos has the skill level and mental game to be a sound middle pairing defender at the NHL level. His lack of bulk and strength will be his biggest challenge to reaching that potential.”

Best case scenario, Djoos will likely start with Hershey this fall to work on his American game.  He will need to build on his size, as well as his ability to play the more physical game required on the smaller rink.