Top 5 Detroit Red Wings Prospects (Video)

Mattias Backman

Age: 22

Drafted: 2011 5th round #146 overall

Current team: Grand Rapids Griffins

Sep 22, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Detroit Red Wings defender Mattias Backman (25) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Red Wings won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

One thing the Detroit Red Wings have been very good at drafting talent in years past. Included among those good player is talent out of Sweden. Mattias Backman could be the next big Swedish player for the Red Wings.

Mattias spent a few years playing in the Swedish Hockey League after being drafted by Detroit. He is starting his first full season with the Griffins this year and in 18 games has 4 assists and 22 shots on goal.

The defenseman has speed and very good on-ice vision, can see plays and is starting to be able to set them up as well. His fault falls in his strength and his physical game which would need improvement before he can make the jump to the NHL.

Next: Dylan Larkin