Jacob de la Rose isn't the guy who is going to win a Rocket Richard Trophy. He’s not going to lead the NHL in points, and he’s probably not the first person a casual fan thinks of when they imagine a "superstar." But if you talk to coaches in the NHL or the Swiss National League, they’ll tell you something different. They’ll tell you he’s the guy you want on the ice when the game is on the line and you’re protecting a one-goal lead. Honestly, de la rose hockey is about the stuff that doesn't show up in a flashy YouTube highlight reel. It’s about grit. It's about being a defensive vacuum.
Born in Arvika, Sweden, de la Rose was basically destined for this. His dad, Anders, played, and his brother, Erik, is a pro too. But Jacob had this specific frame—6'3" and over 200 pounds—that made him a tantalizing prospect for North American scouts early on. When the Montreal Canadiens took him 34th overall in 2013, the hype wasn't about him being the next Guy Lafleur. It was about him being the next great Swedish shutdown center.
The Montreal Years and the Defensive Burden
Playing in Montreal is a pressure cooker. You know that. For a young kid like de la Rose, jumping into that lineup meant he had to find a niche fast or get swallowed up by the media cycle. He didn't have the elite offensive touch to play top-six minutes, so he became a specialist. He was the guy Claude Julien leaned on to kill penalties and shut down the opponent’s best center.
There was this stretch where it looked like he might turn a corner offensively. In the 2017-18 season, he put up 12 points in 55 games. Not huge numbers, but for a defensive specialist, it was enough to keep him relevant. But then came the health scare. Most people forget that in 2018, he dealt with a cardiac episode—an accelerated heartbeat—that kept him out of the lineup and eventually led to him being placed on waivers. It was a scary moment that sort of derailed his momentum in Montreal.
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Detroit picked him up. The Red Wings were in a massive rebuild, and they needed veteran-style stability from a guy who was still technically young. He fit in, but the NHL is a "what have you done for me lately" league. After a stint in Detroit and later St. Louis, it became clear that while his defensive game was elite, the NHL was moving toward a style that demanded more offensive production from every single roster spot.
Why de la Rose Hockey Found a Second Life in Europe
Sometimes a player needs to leave the NHL to actually show what they can do. When de la Rose signed with Fribourg-Gottéron in the Swiss National League (NL), it wasn't a "retirement" move. Far from it. The Swiss league is incredibly fast and tactical, and it allowed Jacob to expand his game beyond just being a "fourth-line grinder."
In Switzerland, he’s a focal point. He’s still that defensive monster—winning faceoffs at a ridiculous clip and blocking shots—but he’s also rediscovered his ability to carry the puck. When you watch him play for Fribourg or for Tre Kronor (the Swedish National Team), you see a player with way more poise than he was ever allowed to show in St. Louis or Detroit.
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- International Pedigree: He’s a mainstay for Sweden. Whether it's the World Championships or the Olympics, coaches like Sam Hallam trust him implicitly.
- The "Glue" Factor: Ask any teammate about Jacob. They’ll mention his locker room presence before they mention his skating. He’s a leader by default.
- Versatility: He can play wing, but he’s a natural center. In Europe, that versatility makes him one of the most valuable imports in the league.
The Reality of the "Defensive Specialist" Tag
We tend to undervalue players who don't score. It’s a flaw in how we consume sports. But de la rose hockey is a masterclass in positioning. If you watch a replay of a Fribourg game, don't watch the puck. Watch number 95. He’s always between the puck and his own net. He supports his defensemen in the corners. He wins the dirty battles that lead to the breakout which eventually leads to a goal three passes later. He won't get an assist for it, but the goal doesn't happen without him.
Is he coming back to the NHL? Probably not. At this stage of his career, he’s found a home in Switzerland where he’s respected, well-paid, and playing top-line minutes. He’s a champion, too—let's not forget he has a World Championship gold medal from 2018. He’s achieved things most players only dream of, even if he didn't become a 30-goal scorer in North America.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Career
The biggest misconception is that he "failed" in the NHL. That’s nonsense. Playing 242 games in the best league in the world is an incredible feat. Most draft picks never even see one game. Jacob de la Rose survived in the NHL during an era where the game was transitioning to pure speed, and he did it by being smarter than the guys he was checking.
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He’s a reminder that hockey is a team sport. You need the stars, sure. But you also need the guys who are willing to take a puck to the ribs in the final minute of a power play. That is the essence of what he brings to the ice every night.
How to Analyze a Player Like de la Rose
If you’re a coach or a student of the game, there are three specific things you should look for when watching him:
- Stick Positioning: Watch how he takes away passing lanes without even moving his feet. It’s a lost art.
- Faceoff Leverage: He doesn't just use his hands; he uses his entire lower body to box out opposing centers.
- Gap Control: Even in the wider European rinks, he keeps a tight gap, forcing turnovers in the neutral zone rather than retreating deep into his own end.
Jacob de la Rose has carved out a professional legacy that spans continents. From the intense lights of the Bell Centre to the passionate fans in Fribourg, he has remained remarkably consistent. He knows exactly who he is as a player. He’s the guy who does the work so others can take the credit. And in the world of professional hockey, there is nothing more valuable than a man who knows his role and executes it to perfection every single shift.
Next Steps for Hockey Enthusiasts
To truly appreciate the nuances of a defensive forward like de la Rose, start tracking "Zone Exits" during his shifts. Instead of looking at the scoresheet, count how many times he successfully clears the puck under pressure. You can also follow the Swiss National League (NL) stats via their official site to see how his faceoff percentages compare to other former NHLers in the league. Studying his film is essentially a tutorial on how to play a "200-foot game" without having to be the fastest skater on the ice.