Another young European forward has signed his entry-level contract. The Columbus Blue Jackets have inked prospect Jonathan Davidsson to a three-year deal, after a solid season in the SHL. GM Jarmo Kekalainen praised the newest member of the Blue Jackets organization in a press release:
Jonathan is a fast, skilled player who put up good numbers in the Swedish Hockey League this season. He is a smart player and mature young man and we believe he has a very bright future with our organization.
Davidsson was selected in the sixth-round last year, his third year of draft eligibility. Originally ranked 64th among European skaters in 2015, he has continued to develop in the SHL and broke out this season with 31 points in 52 games, adding 8 more in 11 playoff contests. His best attribute is a patient playmaking approach, waiting just long enough for lanes to open up which would be otherwise missed.
His younger brother Marcus Davidsson was selected in the second round last year by the Buffalo Sabres, but is still a long way off from the NHL. Jonathan, now 21, could make it there first if the development he showed this season continues. If he comes over to North America in 2018-19, he’ll play for a Cleveland Monsters team that struggled this season and lacked dynamic young talent. Players like Sonny Milano and Oliver Bjorkstrand have graduated from the program, leaving room for someone like Davidsson to try and pick up the offensive slack.