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#5 Adam Almqvist Pos: Defense D.O.B.: 2/27/91 From: Jonkoping, Sweden Height: 5'11 Weight: 174 Shoots: Left Drafted: 7th pick 210th overall 2009 draft by Detroit Red Wings Acquired: Signed ATO with Grand Rapids 3/26/12 Personal: Plus: Excellent on ice vision... Capable of leading the rush... Moves the puck well on the powerplay... Plays bigger than his size... Smooth skater, very agile... Smart player makes good decisions... Minus: Very small, takes a lot of punishment... Defensive game still needs some improvement... Organizational Comments: "He's very weak, But he's one of those guys that it doesn't seem to bother. He's still gotta get stronger. He's about 160 pounds (and 5-feet-11), but you're hoping in three or four years to wake up and he's up to 190 pounds. His hockey sense and puck skills are as good as anyone. He could run a power play right now in the American Hockey League." Jim Nill - Wings Assistant General Manager What GRC says: 2012-13: Settled in on the top pairing with Paetsch and dialed up the offense with 7 goals and 19 points in 33 games. He proved more rugged then expected, but seemed to be a magnet for big hits and did miss some time including most of the finals. It remains to be seen whether his skill set is enough to overcome his size to make the NHL, but if he keeps progressing like he has this season, he should get a look. Fall 2012: The Swedish blueliner definitely looked undersized in his brief two game audition, but he also looked comfortable, showing off some soft hands and the ability to find lanes to move the puck. An off-season in the weight room would benefit him before he takes to the ice for Grand Rapids next season. Spring 2012: An undersized but sublimely talented blueliner, Almqvist fits right into the Detroit mold. This offensively gifted defenseman should get a lot of playing time this spring and at least on the powerplay should ring up some numbers. It should be a nice audition for a regular spot on next year's AHL roster. Role: Offensive Defenseman Projection: NHL top four defenseman Statistics: Transactions 5/27/11 Signed 3-yr Contract with Detroit (NHL) 3/26/12 Signed ATO with Grand Rapids (AHL) 4/16/12 Released from ATO by Grand Rapids (AHL) 9/14/12 Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL)