Oilers draft Philip Broberg with 8th overall pick

With the eighth overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft, the Edmonton Oilers selected defenseman Philip Broberg.

Philip Broberg

Position: Defense
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 203 lbs
Age: 17
Club: AIK IF (Allsvenskan)
Nationality: Swedish

(Stats courtesy: Eliteprospects.com)

Broberg wasn't a high-profile prospect a year ago but built a name for himself with a strong season and entered the draft as the fifth-ranked European skater, per NHL Central Scouting.

Although he had an up-and-down season with AIK IF in the second-tier Swedish league, Broberg showcased his promise at the Under-18's when he registered two goals and four assists in seven games.

Broberg is expected to make the jump to the top Swedish pro league in 2019-20, and taking more time to grow his tantalizing skill set should only benefit his rapid development. He's a tremendous skater for his size, and with time should become more effective with the puck on his stick.

What they're saying

"Broberg has enormous potential and will play in the NHL in the near future. He is one of the best defenders we have gotten in AIK throughout the years due to his skating and skill level," AIK general manager Anders Gozzi told The Athletic's Corey Pronman.

For more on Broberg's unlikely development into a top draft talent, read this feature by theScore's John Matisz.

Highlights

Click here to watch Broberg's highlights.