Many scouts have been keeping their eyes on a certain right handed Latvian defenseman overseas playing for the Swedish Hockey League's HV71. Filips Strazds projected to be a dynamic playmaking [two-way] defenseman who should be able to make an impact in the SMJHL and eventually the SHL. Brought over from the Latvian Junior Leagues by HV71's U20 Team in S37 as mainly a depth defenseman, Strazds' development within the HV71 system has seen him improve his decision making, passing and defensive awareness to the point where the youngster has been able to make the jump into the SHL, albeit logging limited minutes, and playing against fully grown men. Strazds has seen an impressive amount of games with HV71 last season, playing for the main team for the majority of their season as a 3rd Pairing defenseman, but he has shown flashes of immense potential. Additionally, Strazds has also represented Latvia at the U16, U18 and U20 levels respectively, with his ability to adapt to scenarios and pick up on opponents' strategies some of his best attributes.

The main question is however, is whether or not if Strazds will be able to make the jump to North American hockey, and if he can translate his strong defensive game and ability to make good first passes, to North American ice. All eyes are on this youngster as he has recently announced interest in eventually coming over to North America.

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