Prospect Profile: Axel Jonsson-Fjallby

Axel Jonsson-Fjallby aims to carry out his hockey career in North America this season. The 21 year old Swedish winger was the Washington Capitals’ 147th overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft. He was signed to a three year entry-level contract, which started in the 2018-19 season, and made his debut in the American Hockey League (AHL) that year with the Hershey Bears. However, after playing only 16 games and contributing three points, he was loaned to the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Due to his contract and his desire to return to Djurgårdens IF, his former Swedish team, he left the Bears with hopes of developing his skills in Stockholm. Therefore, Fjallby plans to exhibit his current abilities while continuing to adjust to North American hockey this season in Hershey. 

Jonsson-Fjallby had a promising career in Sweden. He recorded 29 points within a span of 39 games the season before he was drafted. Then, he played 42 games and tallied 16 points the season before he played in the AHL for the first time. He also represented his country in the World Junior Championship that same year; he contributed two goals along with two assists to help Sweden advance to the semifinals in the tournament. After joining the Bears for 16 games and leaving for Sweden, he struggled with the Djurgårdens IF and only posted 10 points in 36 games in the regular season, while distinctively  putting up 7 goals and 5 assists in the playoffs, which led his team to the finals. The strong playoff performance closed out his hockey career in Sweden before becoming a full-time Hershey Bear. 

Axel stated a few months ago that he would be playing in North America instead of Sweden during the 2019-20 season. He shows NHL potential speed, but he still needs to develop many other skills to earn a spot with the Capitals. He would most likely fit on the Caps fourth line, but players such as Nic Dowd, Travis Boyd, Brendan Leipsic, and Garnet Hathaway earned their positions there. In addition, he had no striking performance during the Caps’ prospect showcase and training camp. He did not catch much attention from the Capitals’ coaching staff, so this season with the Bears can have a substantial impact on the future of his professional career. One of his largest burdens is the transition from Sweden to America, therefore his main goal this season will be to modify his game to the style of hockey played in the AHL and NHL. 

Similar to how Jonsson-Fjallby needs the Bears to advance his skills and professional hockey career, the Bears are benefiting from his offensive abilities. Based on his style of play, he is a player that is not typically depended on for scoring. In other words, he is utilized as a bottom-six forward and often placed on the fourth line. Despite this, he has provided an ample amount of points to the team so far. He has played in 25 games this season while tallying five goals and two assists, which makes him tied for fourth on the team for most goals. He also has been developing a stronger shot while focusing on hitting the net more frequently. Axel currently looks composed on the ice and has the intelligence to read the puck, therefore indicating he is finally adapting to the AHL. 

His long hair makes Jonsson-Fjallby stand out along with his NHL potential. He is currently proving himself in Hershey and is seeking to improve his style of play. He is working towards a position with the Capitals, and that will be achieved in the near future after his adjustment between leagues. He is an ideal piece for the Caps bottom line, yet he must consistently demonstrate his influence on offense.