Steve Yzerman completed his first NHL Entry Draft with the Detroit Red Wings in 2018. In that time, he's drafted 17 Swedish players. It's practically become a stereotype at this point. You mean to tell me the Red Wings drafted a Swede with one of their highest picks? Color me shocked.
This draft might very well continue that trend.
As of right now, Detroit's first pick comes 47th overall. Their original first pick, of course, went in the Justin Faulk trade, leaving Yzerman until the second round to make his selection.
If history is precedent, William Hakansson might just be the guy for the Red Wings.
The 6'4", 218 lb defenseman checks every box Yzerman tends to target. He's big, hits hard and is more than responsible in his own end. But the big question remains: can he help the Red Wings long term, or is he a tantalizing trade asset in the future?
What Hakansson brings to the table
Hakansson is the prototypical shutdown defenseman. Rarely, if ever, does the opposition score whiel he's on the ice. He went from the U20s to the SHL last season, playing briefly with HockeyAllsvenskan on a loan as well. While he didn't show up much in the scoresheet, it's not every day that a 18-year-old, much less a defenseman, makes his way to a full-time SHL roster spot.
Daily Faceoff's draft profile speaks highly of his pure defensive talent. "Håkansson didn’t get a ton of ice time at the World Juniors, but we saw exactly what he’s capable of – raw defensive energy," writes Steven Ellis. "He uses his frame to flatten opponents while being a pain in the rear end defensively. He’s quite mobile for his frame, too. I absolutely could see him becoming a solid shutdown defender in the NHL."
Hakansson is never going to be an offensive leader. But he's the exact kind of shutdown guy that's sought after in today's NHL. If the Carolina Hurricanes' Stanley Cup win sets any precedent, it's that you can win with a shutdown guy like Jaccob Slavin.
Hakansson is seen as a complementary piece. He could be the proverbial Marc-Edouard Vlasic to his partner's Brent Burns. While his linemate sets up offense, he holds down the fort defensively, making sure the puck doesn't go the opposite way.
Perhaps the Red Wings - or another team in the future - could seek a player like Hakansson.
Hakansson could be a valuable trade asset for Red Wings
That said, it will likely take Hakansson some time to make it to the NHL. He's almost certainly going to spend another year in the SHL, giving him a full season of men's hockey. After that, if he's still with the Red Wings, he'll be in the AHL for at least a full season to get acclimated to North American ice.
If both of those seasons go swimmingly, there's a chance he can make the roster.
But, as we've seen with everyone from Axel Sandin-Pellikka to Albert Johansson, a lot needs to change for a prospect to make the full leap. This is why he might be more valuable as a future trade asset for the Red Wings, who are renowned for their ability to develop Swedish defensemen.
Perhaps, down the road, he'll be seen as a tantalizing trade asset for the Red Wings to dangle at the deadline.
No matter what, Hakansson projects to be a prototypical shutdown defender at the NHL level, should everything development-wise go according to plan.
