Jacob Larsson

May 2022 – Larsson’s slide down the depth chart continues. He’s 25 now and has cleared waivers on a couple of occasions. A former first-round pick, he is running out of chances to make any kind of impact. Yes, defensemen take longer to establish themselves than forwards, but Larsson’s window is closing. His best hope now is to catch on as a No. 6 or No. 7 defensive defenseman. – Dobber

March 2020 – The 2019-20 season was a roller coaster for Larsson. He spent the majority of it with the Ducks, but found himself in the minors at a couple of different times because of consistency and confidence issues. However, when the Ducks experienced injuries to Fowler, Lindholm, Gudbranson and Manson, he grabbed the bull by the horns and played very well, registering seven points and a plus-1 in 19 games. He is still only 22 years old so you can’t call him a first round bust yet, especially since he is a defenseman and they typically take longer to develop. Let’s hope he can continue this stride into next season and consider him a sleeper in deeper leagues that count blocks. Lucas Main

October 2018 – After being one of the first defensemen cut this training camp, Larsson really buckled down in San Diego and worked on his game in his own zone. He started the year with two assists and a plus four in six games, and Anaheim rewarded his efforts with a call up to the big club. Anaheim’s fifth and sixth spots seem up for grabs right now, so this is the perfect opportunity for Larsson to stick with the team. He saw some time on the penalty kill and took two shots on goal in his first game, and looked comfortable out there. He is far removed from his first round status, but can still develop nicely into a mid-pairing defenseman. Lucas Main

June 2018 – After having offseason knee surgery, Larsson came into his first professional season rusty. Not being able to do full workouts over the summer led to a few injuries during the 2017 – 18 season and altered his development for the first half of the season. However, he finished the season with eight points and a plus-six in the last 17 games, which is a good sign he was starting to feel comfortable again. He was passed over on call-ups during the season, but that was only due to the injuries and the Ducks wanting him to recover and develop properly. The Ducks will have a couple of defensive spots open when training camp starts so look for Larsson to make the team out of camp or be one of the first called up if someone gets injured. Lucas Main

September 2017 – Larsson started in Anaheim last season, but he needed more seasoning so Anaheim loaned him back to Sweden. He had an impressive playoff with Frolunda, scoring three points in seven games. Look for him to start the season with Anaheim again because of a few injuries already (Lindholm and Vatanen) and stick in North America with the Gulls after Anaheim’s blueline is fully healthy. He will be full time in the NHL by the 2018 season. Lucas Main

October 2016 – After having an incredible training camp, Larsson has made the 23 man roster and played in three games thus far. He is averaging 16 and a half minutes per game, with about two minutes on the PK and 50 seconds on the PP. He is getting shots through traffic, but they mostly go wide. At age 19, he will surely develop his shooting technique so this is not a major concern. Making the team is an incredible feat, beating out other Ducks defensive prospects Shea Theodore and Brandon Montour. This is no knock on those two though, as Larsson is a smooth skating defenseman and the most responsible of the three in his own end, something new coach Randy Carlyle was looking for. Lucas Main

January 2016- Larsson and his Swedish team showed little enthusiasm in the bronze medal contest with the United States, losing 8-3 in a lopsided affair. Larsson looked sluggish throughout the game, and it showed on the score sheet. Similar to his fellow Swedish teammate and Ducks prospect (Marcus Pettersson), he was held off the scoreboard and was on the ice for five of the eight goals for the United States. All in all, Larsson finished the 2016 World Junior Championship with one goal, two assists, four PIM, and an even rating. He did not see a whopping amount of ice, playing sparingly in 5-on-5 situations, getting the majority of his minutes on special teams. I’m sure Larsson is already thinking about next years tournament in Toronto/Montreal, where he should be a more impactful player for Sweden. For now, he will be heading back to his Swedish Hockey League team, Frölunda HC, to finish up this season.  Bryan Puffer

January 2016 – Larsson and his Swedish team were unable to withstand the pressure from a talented Finnish squad, falling 2-1 in the semi-finals of the World Junior Championship. Despite playing predominantly on special teams, Larsson accumulated one goal, and two assists. The Ducks would have liked to see him appear more in 5-on-5 situations, but he still has eligibility for next year’s tournament, where he will be a staple as a top-pair defenseman for Sweden. Bryan Puffer

December 2015- Larsson has looked strong in his first two games for Sweden, though he only has one point to show for his efforts – a goal in the 8-3 rout of Switzerland.  The young defensemen has shown poise quarterbacking a highly skilled power play for the Swedes, and may very well register more points on special teams.  Jacob has been solid in his own zone as well, boasting a plus-one rating, and helping his team shut out a very good United States team. Bryan Puffer

December 2015- With the World Juniors underway, look for Larsson to play a big role on the back end for a Swedish team that has an immense amount of speed, and skill.  Sweden is looking like a team that could make a run for the gold medal. Their first contest will be against Switzerland on December 26. Bryan Puffer

December 2015 – As predicted, the Frölunda HC defenseman (Larsson) will be attending Sweden’s 2016 World Junior Selection Camp. Bryan Puffer

November 2015- Larsson was selected 27^th overall by the Ducks in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft.  He is currently playing for Frölunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League.  In the 23 games Larsson has seen action, he’s scored three goals, three assists, and holds a solid plus-six rating.  The young puck-moving defenseman is in the process of maturing physically before he makes the jump to North American hockey.  Larsson has the potential to be a top four defenseman in the National Hockey League if he continues to progress playing in the top Swedish league.   He prides himself on being reliable in the defensive zone, yet has the ability to jump into the rush and become an offensive threat with his north-south speed.  Bryan Puffer

June 2015 – Jacob was taken by the Anaheim Ducks who can be patient with this solid defenseman. Austin Wallace

June 2015 –The 6-2, 190-pound Swede certainly isn’t flashy, however, he is fundamentally sound in all three zones – a commonality it seems with Swedish defenders. He likely won’t light up the scoreboard as an offensive presence; he would much rather start the play with heads-up decision making and be the supportive trailer. His overall defense is above-average, as is his reach from the point. Larsson is capable of logging heavy minutes as he’s the type of player looked upon to either start a play or break one up.  .  Zach Hopkins