Filip Bystedt is a towering center who is impressively skilled for someone his size. With smooth hands and great hockey sense, he can play chess in the offensive zone while others are playing checkers. There’s a strong defensive game he has shown that makes him a huge suppressor of shot attempts against, too. Showing a strong ability to support well in his own end, he always has his head on a swivel and anticipates where the play is going. With the ability to process the play quickly, he can head to where the puck is going just a split second ahead of the opponent. He also applies pressure very well to the puck-carrier, using his long reach to dictate where he wants the play to go to help snuff out plays. He is fun to watch on offense as he attacks in so many ways, making him unpredictable to opposing defenders. He’s impactful all over, not just from one spot on the ice. There’s some speed in his game that could make him a very good transition player, too. He just doesn’t use it as consistently as he can. Another area where he can improve is his ability to maintain control of the puck. He gets the puck knocked off his stick at times, so learning how to protect it better – and get stronger when carrying it – will help him drive offense more efficiently. Playing the center position and possessing the traits he does gives him a very high ceiling provided he’s able and willing to work on some of the shortcomings in his game. The foundation in his game leaves room for a ton of potential, which is even more encouraging. If there are improvements in these deficiencies, then Bystedt can be a top-two center at the NHL level who has significant underlying impacts both the offensive and defensive ends of the ice.

– FCHockey’s 2022 NHL Draft Guide