Mild-mannered Thomas Gradin scouts his homeland without much bravado.

The former Vancouver Canucks playmaker even suggested Saturday that a weaker than expected crop of North American talent is why a record seven Swedes were snapped up in the first round of the NHL entry draft.

But the Canucks were also swept up in Swedemania.

They selected high-scoring winger Anton Rodin in the second round (53rd) and opted for big defenceman Peter Andersson in the fifth round (143rd).

Rodin is the highest-ranked Canucks pick since the club manoeuvred to land Daniel and Henrik Sedin second and third overall in 1999.

"We know as much about hockey and how to play the game as you Canadians know," said Gradin, who had 197 goals in 613 career games with the Canucks. "The only difference is the mental tension, for a game back in Sweden never reaches the level when they come over here. And that's why Sweden loses when playing Canada because they're more interested in how many people are watching than playing the game."

That's only part of the story.

Four years ago, the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation knew it had to get away from star-studded national teams. The result has been better balanced rosters that still possess plenty of offence, but play more of a North American style.

Sweden won the Olympic and world championship titles in 2006 and silver at the 2009 world junior event.

"They're picking teams now, not just coaches who want to have the best players," said Gradin. "Before, nobody wanted to work and nobody wanted to forecheck -- and now we're the hard-working Swedes."

Rodin, 18, falls into that category. The 5-foot-11, 174 pound Stockholm native had 55 points (29-26) in 37 games for Brynas in the under-20 junior elite league.

He also played six games for Oskarshamn in the second division of the men's elite league and will play for Brynas in the first division men's league this fall.

Rodin was twice named game MVP at the Five Nations Tournament in February where he had seven points (4-3) in four games and has been invited to Sweden national junior camp.

He's been on the Canucks' radar for more than two years.

"He's a fast skater with good hands and he is a scorer. What makes him an exceptional guy is that he's a real hard worker," added Gradin. "He reminds me of Anders Hedberg."

Hedberg had 398 points in 465 career NHL games with the New York Rangers and 458 points in 286 career WHA games with the Winnipeg Jets.

Andersson, 18, is a 6-foot-3, 194 pound blueliner with Frolunda juniors. He had eight points (3-5) in 36 games and a goal in the world under-18 tourney. Gradin compared the Kvidinge, Sweden native to Alex Edler in some respects.

"He's a very good skater who can make that first pass like Edler, but doesn't have the physical attributes and can hopefully develop that part of his game," he said.

bkuzma@theprovince.com

CANUCKS PICKS

No. 22 overall

Jordan Schroeder

C, University of Minnesota, WCHA

Size: 5-foot-8, 175 lbs.

Stats: Games played: 35, Goals:13, Assists:32, Points. 45

Skinny: Small, but skilled and gritty dynamo often compared to Patrick Kane.

No. 53

Anton Rodin

LW/RW, Brynas Jrs., Sweden

Size: 5-foot-11, 174 lbs.

Stats: GP: 37, G:29, A:26, Pts. 55

Skinny: Second leading scorer in Under-20 League. Compared to Anders Hedberg.

No. 83

Kevin Connauton

D, Western Michigan University

Size: 6-foot-1, 185 lbs.

Stats: GP:40, G:7, A:11, Pts. 18

Skinny: Edmonton native adds some needed depth to franchise.

No. 113

Jeremy Price

D, Nepean, Ont.

Candian Junior Hockey League

Size: 6-foot-1, 195 lbs.

Stats: GP: 55, G: 12, A: 29, Pts. 41

Skinny: See above. The Canucks know they have a dire need for back-end help.

No. 143

Peter Andersson

D, Frolunda Jrs., Sweden

Size: 6-foot-3, 194 lbs.

Stats: GP: 36. G:3, A:5, Pts. 8

Skinny: Compared to Alex Edler in ability to make strong first pass out of zone.

No. 173

Joe Cannata

G, Merrimack College, Hockey East

Size: 6-foot-1, 200 lbs.

Stats: Record 7-10-4, GAA: 2.35

Skinny: Organization needs depth, especially if Cory Schneider becomes trade bait.

No. 187

Steven Anthony

C/LW, Saint John, QMJHL

Size: 6-foot-2, 195 lbs.

Stats: GP: 67, G:19, A:29, Pts. 48

Skinny: Pick acquired from Phoenix for minor-league defenceman Shaun Heshka.