The Following is a Press Release from the Montreal Canadiens.
Canadiens sign forward Jacob de la Rose to a three-year contract
MONTREAL (April 14, 2014) – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin, announced today the signing of forward Jacob de la Rose to a three-year, entry level contract (2014-15 à 2016-17).
In 49 games with the Leksand Idrottsförening in the Swedish Elitserien this season, de la Rose recorded 7 goals and 6 helpers for a total of 13 points. He was also assessed 18 penalty minutes and had a +5 plus/minus differential.
The 6’3’’ and 187 lbs forward was also a member of the Swedish team at the 2014 World Junior Hockey Championship that was played in Malmö, Sweden, helping the host team earn a silver medal after falling 3-2 in sudden death overtime against Finland. In this tournament, de la Rose scored 3 goals and added 3 assists in 6 games, served 6 penalty minutes and had a +3 differential.
A native of Arvika, Sweden, de la Rose was selected in the second round, 34th overall by the Canadiens at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
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Here is LWOS’ Scouting Report on Jacob de la Rose.
Sweden’s hockey program has really improved in recent years. The country is producing more and more quality NHL prospects every year.
De la Rose spent the season playing for Leksands after their promotion to the top division of the Swedish Hockey League. He played the year against men, and showed some offensive ability with seven goals and 13 points in 49 games in the low scoring league.
De la Rose has a ton of international experience and has been playing for Swedish national teams at the Under 16, Under 17, Under 18, and Under 20 levels over the years. He has won silver medals at the 2012 IIHF World Under 18 Championships, and at the 2013 and 2014 World Junior Championships. He was also the Swedish captain at the 2013 Under 18s.
Jacob de la Rose
Center/Wing
Born May 20 1995 — Arvika, Sweden
Height 6.02 — Weight 183 — Shoots Left
Jacob de la Rose is a dynamic skater. He has great speed, and excellent acceleration. He is very explosive and his ability to change speeds, and that extra gear he has allows him to beat defenders to the outside and cut to the net. He’s also quick at getting in on the forecheck, and de la Rose takes advantage of this as he just loves to hit. He has good agility and edgework allowing him to navigate his way through traffic, and his great balance allows him to fight through checks.
There are a lot of tools in de la Rose’s toolbox in the offensive zone. He has great stickhandling and very soft hands. He goes to the net and can score goals in tight on rebounds and tip ins. He also has a good wrist soft, and his release is decent. He’s an absolute beast on the boards and just loves physical contact, often being the initiator. De la Rose has shown good vision and passing skills on occasion as well. This season de la Rose finally showed the ability to score amongst his peers at the World Juniors, and in exhibition games for the U20 team, and that is a positive step for him.
De la Rose’s defensive game is excellent, especially for a player his age. He is an extremely responsible forward, who has great gap control and understands how to always keep himself between his man and the net. He backchecks hard, and comes down low to help his defencemen against the cycle game. De la Rose is a willing shot blocker and cuts down the passing lanes, anticipating plays well and creating turnovers. He continues to play his rough and tumble game in the defensive end and again loves to take the body. His defensive game is elite given the stage he is at in his development.
De la Rose’s style is reminiscent of David Backes of the St. Louis Blues, perhaps even with better skating. However this is a style comparison and not an assessment of potential. De la Rose could become a top 6 forward if he can develop his offensive tools and show consistent production. However, he is a player who is a very safe player as with his size, physicality, defensive prowess, and skating ability, he’s a very good bet to be a valuable third/fourth line NHLer even if the offence does not come around.
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