Scouting Report: Inge Baardsen, 18-year-old Right Wing

Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 184 lbs

Inge Baardsen has snuck under the radar, something stemming from early ping-ponging from St. Louis to Regina. Despite this rattling start to his career, Baardsen has taken the challenge in stride, and has set himself apart by proving his offensive aptitude. Strong on his stick, he can handle a tight bind in the offensive zone, while delivering an on-target pass in pressure. This is attributed to his great instincts in the o-zone, decision-making coming like second nature. He can handle himself in the offensive zone as well, as his positioning means he will find himself in a spot to make a play, flipping possession for his team or making good contact to separate his man from the puck. He’s quick on his feet, able to handle his skates well, and he has a motor that runs long, meaning big minutes come naturally for him.

Inge used this skillset to handle himself well with Team Ice at the World Juniors in S73, and though his start in Regina has been muted, he has handled the pressure well to deliver a 10-goal, 20-assist season for the Elk, something that bodes well as he gets his feet wet with the North American game.

Despite fine numbers in the category for the Elk, Baardsen’s defensive ability is his weakest link. Though his checking is fine, his ability to hit his targets hard remains to be seen, much of his force coming from his positioning, not his force of strength, which is lacking in his game. He lacks a net-front presence in the offensive zone, and doesn’t seem terribly interested in playing in front of shots in the defensive zone. Perhaps most disappointing is his inability to get where he needs to in the offensive zone, and his lacking stickchecking skill, something even mediocre offensive players have in their arsenal. Whether these things become a part of his game remains to be seen.

Eddie Morozov signing off for now. Stay tuned for more info and more reports from my trips abroad scouting the next SHL stars!

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