If you ask any Red Wings fan what the organization covets the most, I’d bet you a dollar that nine times out of 10, the answer would be “a guy who can play a two-way game.” Our next player in the Top 25 Under 25 ranking is a player who defines your quintessential “two-way talent.”
For Christoffer Ehn, the numbers never popped, but they’ve always stayed consistent. The six-foot-three Frölunda product has played a stout game at all levels he’s seen.
The Vitals
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Born: 4/9/96
Birthplace: Skara, SWE
Drafted: 2014, 4th Round, 104th overall
Current Team: Frölunda, SHL
2017-2018 statline: 50 GP, 7 goals, 10 assists (+2)
Ehn signed his entry-level contract with the Red Wings in the spring of last year. He returned to his Swedish club this past season — one where he bested his previous season in goals, and assists, all in two less games. The lanky pivot is expected to make the transition to North America in the season ahead.
Following his second season with Frölunda, an organization touted for its development, Ehn was brought to Grand Rapids to join the Griffins for their run to the playoffs. Unfortunately, he came down with mono and was sidelined his entire stay. “He was extremely frustrated by that and has been working hard this offseason to get his conditioning back up to its normal elite level,” says Shawn Horcoff.
So what can we expect from him as a player? Ehn really strikes me to be the kind of player who can button down a bottom-six role as a center, and contribute to penalty killing regularly. Ehn’s main source of strength is his ability to think the game — he’s a cerebral player through-and-through. Some players you watch, and they just get it. Ehn appears to be one of those players.
He’s a strong defensive player, skates really well for his size, and has underrated stick-handling. Last offseason, Christoffer Ehn ranked 24 in our Top 25 Under 25. After more seasoning in Sweden’s top league, he’s starting to find more recognition. Again, the numbers don’t pop, but they’re consistent. The big concern with a player like Christoffer Ehn is that the Red Wings seem to always have a glut of players like him — praised hard-worker, reliable two-way player, etc. What will set Ehn from the pack is if he can develop into a difference-maker in one of those roles.
Related
Catching Up With Christoffer Ehn
He’s seen time at both center, and on the wing — so it’s tough to see where he’ll pan out in the long rung, but the Red Wings have always loved utility players who can chip in wherever they’re needed. We think that once he makes the move to the AHL (projected to be this upcoming season), he’ll take a year or two more of adjusting to the North American style before he’s ready for the NHL.
Stylistically, I’d consider Christoffer Ehn to be the next Darren Helm.
Do you agree with Christoffer Ehn’s ranking at 22?
| Yep, that’s about right | 335 |
| No, he should be higher | 81 |
| No, he should be lower | 124 |
Previous Top 25 Under 25 Posts
23. Alex Regula, London Knights
24. Axel Holmstrom, Grand Rapids Griffins
25. Jack Adams, Union College
