Hurricanes Select Swedish Forward Elias Lindholm With Fifth Pick In NHL Draft

The Carolina Hurricanes spent a lot time on the phone on and leading up to Sunday’s NHL Draft, but in the end the Canes used their selection on Swedish forward Elias Lindholm with the fifth overall pick.

The Lindholm selection is somewhat reminiscent of 2007, when Carolina took well-rounded Brandon Sutter with their first round pick. Lindholm, according to International Scouting Services, is a complete player without holes in his game. Here's their breakdown of the No. 5 pick:

Skill: A gritty and hard-working two-way player who makes his entire team better every shift he takes.

Scouting Report: There is very little, if anything at all not to like about Elias Lindholm. He can do a bit of everything and he can do it all very well. While perhaps not an elite offensive producer (yet) he has the desire and drive, and talent, to create lot of offensive opportunities. He excels off transition and is a master at creating turnovers and forcing opponents to make mistakes. He has great hands, especially around the net, is a dynamite faceoff presence and is always engaging opponents in battles. Lindholm has future captain written all over him. He brings it every single shift and can be dominant in all situations. He has some surprising power for his size.

NHL Potential: 2nd line player who can be relied on in the most crucial situations.

Lindholm has one year left on his contract with Brynas of the Swedish Elite League, so he is unlikely to join Carolina in 2013-14.

We'll have more on the pick and the draft as the day progresses.

Update: Click here for Lindholm's media availability via Skype with the assembled media at PNC Arena.