How about Jakob Ihs-Wozniak?

The Swedish draft flavour for 2025 is quite good, with some high-end talents, but Jakob Ihs-Wozniak is overshadowed.

But he is a big, right-shot forward, with untapped power-forward potential, who is interesting indeed.

I’m talking about Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, who is a bit of a project, which lines up with where he is projected by scouts to be drafted in June.

Ihs-Wozniak, 18, is a 6-foot-3, 185-pound Swedish national born in Adelaide, Australia, playing for Lulea in the SHL. More specifically, he played 12 games this season, after he started the season with Luleå HF J20 in the Swedish J20 Nationell (he posted 23-34-57) for 40 games.

The rangy winger has the elements to become a power forward in the NHL - if all things go well - if not, he could be a solid bottom-six NHL player, should his pace and physicality continue developing.

But, what is interesting about Ihs-Wozniak is his potential - both physically, and from a skill perspective - because if he hits, well the team that drafts him will have a bona fide top-six forward in their prospect pipeline. One, who could make a huge impact, if he hits.

I’m picturing 6-foot-3, 185-pound right-shot wingers currently playing in the NHL, and a few names come to mind. Please don’t mistake them as comparisons, this is an example of what guys that size are doing at the NHL level.

1. Josh Anderson, Joel Armia

They have high impact and two different speeds, which massively impact the forecheck, back, and penalty kill—last but not least. Their body, speed, and great defensive sticks slow down the opposition and create turnovers.

2. Tom Wilson

You need no introduction for Tom Wilson. You know if you played against the Washington Capitals because of him (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) and Alex Ovechkin (6-foot-2, 236 pounds)—the pair are physical specimens. Wilson has four 20-plus goal seasons, including 32 in 76 games this season.

I’ll give one more example.

3. Kirill Marchenko, and Mathieu Olivier

The pair are dramatically different players. But you would take either or both of them on your team. Olivier is (6-foot-2, 207 pounds) an absolute nail gun. Think Tie Domi, Brian McGrattan. He loves getting punched in the head; he just snaps, and he has a bit of offence (bottom-six winger). Marchenko (6-foot-3, 196 pounds) is a point producer (31-39-70 in 73 games) who is equal parts shooter and passer.

These guys have the potential to take over games with physicality, skill and/or tremendous mobility. Yes, they are different types of players, but impactful - precisely what Ihs-Wozniak strives to be - should he make it to the NHL.

Ihs-Wozniak’s lack of production in the SHL, with 12 games under his belt - confirms my thoughts - he is a slow riser, that could pay tremendous dividends to the organization that awards him patience to develop.

Ideally, he would benefit from a full year with Luleå in 2025-26, and then, depending on how it goes, he should play in the AHL for the 2026-2027 season. A season in the top North American NHL-development league would be massive for the kid, after his first full year of professional play in the SHL.

I like his frame, growth potential and I think if he is an option in the second round, he could be a nice value pick for Hughes, who isn’t shy about taking on projects. Look at Juraj Slafkovsky, Jared Davidson and (Lane Hutson - 62nd in ‘22) who was doubted through 61 picks in 2022.

If the kid can play and has hockey player elements, the Habs have the resources to develop an NHL player. The mind, body and spirit all need to be invested, and then Martin St. Louis can do what he is paid to do - develop kids into fantastic players, but even better people, first.

Ihs-Wozniak, let’s all remember that name, maybe he will become a great NHL forward in the future. It's worth the risk, I think.