Last season, 23 Swedish players were drafted, including six players taken in the first round. This year could see over 20 more players drafted into the league. Here are the top-10 Swedish prospects in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
10) Hugo Hävelid – Goaltender
NHL Central Scouting Final Report: 2nd (EU Goaltenders)
Despite being a smaller goaltender at 5-foot-10, Hävelid impressed at the U-18’s going 4-1 with a .929 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.41 goals-against average (GAA). He spent most of the season with Linköping HC’s J20 team going 21-7-0 with five shutouts, a 1.82 GAA and a .920 SV%.
His play in the J20 playoffs is what should get teams excited. In eight games, he went 6-2 with two shutouts, a 1.97 GAA and a .925 SV%. He is a project goaltender with potential and if he gets the time to develop properly, could make the NHL one day just like Juuse Saros.
9) Fabian Wagner – Right Wing
NHL Central Scouting Final Report: 27th (EU Skaters)
Fabian Wagner played his season with Linköping HC’s U-20 team registering 38 points in 43 games. He also got the opportunity to play eight games in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) but did not register a point. Known more as a playmaker, he does possess a good shot and can beat defenders on the rush with his explosive speed.
Wagner is a well-rounded player that would have been projected higher if he could play the center position. He has the offensive and defensive skill set teams are looking for, just on the wing rather than down the middle. Regardless, he has the potential to be a middle-six winger in the NHL if he continues to develop as projected.
6) Mattias Hävelid – Right Defense
NHL Central Scouting Final Report: 19th (EU Skaters)
Mattias Hävelid is a solid defenceman who can make a difference on the power play if given the opportunity. The Linköping HC defender registered 19 points in 29 games at the J20 level while seeing action in 23 SHL matches. He was also an associate captain of Team Sweden at the U-18’s where he registered 12 points in six games on way to a gold medal.
The J20 playoffs is where Hävelid really shined. In eight games, he registered 10 points and was named J20 Nationell Playoffs MVP. He fits the mould of the new-age defencemen in that he can carry the puck up with ease and is able to make difficult passes to open teammates.
5) Filip Bystedt – Center
NHL Central Scouting Final Report: 17th (EU Skaters)
For teams that need a two-way center with high offensive skill, Filip Bystedt may be exactly what they are looking for. This season with Linköping HC’s J20 team, he registered 49 points in 40 games, including 10 points and nine assists in eight playoff games. At the U-18’s, he was dynamic in the faceoff dot, winning 69 of 124 draws.
At 6-foot-4, 187 pounds, he has the size needed to be a force at center in the NHL. He knows how to win draws, has good defensive awareness and can be a playmaker in the offensive zone. If he is drafted into the right environment, he could be the steal of the draft.
https://thehockeywriters.com/2022-nhl-draft-top-10-swedish-prospects/
