Observations:

May 2016 – One-year contract signed for $950,000. Larsson played a full season with the Sabres playing bottom-six minutes. He scored 17 points (10-7) in 74 games played, averaging just under 15 minutes of ice time per game. Larsson will continue to grow into an excellent depth scorer from the bottom of the lineup. He won't get a chance to move up the Sabres depth chart with all the young forwards they have on their roster and in their prospect system.

February 2016 – Johan Larsson scored the game winning goal against the Montreal Canadiens to record his second goal of the season. Larsson has now played the most NHL games in one season of his career, his previous highest was 39 games. Bylsma has proven that Larsson is a regular NHL third liner, giving Johan just under 14 minutes of ice time per game. Continuing to get third line minutes will depend on if Larsson can continue to produce, scoring a point every ten games is not quite enough depth production to keep his roster spot for the long-term. Paul Zwambag

August 2015 – Johan Larsson has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Buffalo Sabres worth $800,000. Larsson is well liked by many in the organization, Bylsma was on the Fan590 when he was first hired and spoke highly of Larsson. “…talked to a few coaches in the league of scouting reports on their players and their individuals and this Larsson kid he is tough to play against, he is a gritty player, he played a hard game, they had to watch this guy when he was on the ice and take note of him, he’s in that mix of those players.” By the sounds of that quote from Bylsma, Larsson is going to get an opportunity to make the team as a bottom six energy guy, but will likely end up being the first guy called up when an injury occurs. There is a few too many NHL contracts above him on the depth chart to see him make the team out of camp. Paul Zwambag

March 2015 – With the recent shuffling in Buffalo it has led to an increased role for 2013 deadline acquisition Johan Larsson and he's finally taking advantage of it. Playing on the top line with Matt Moulson and Tyler Ennis he's notched seven points in the past eight games and looks the bit of an NHL player. This is the first sign of life that Larsson has shown at the NHL level and if he can sustain this level of success for the remainder of the season he may revitalize his career. The Swedish centre has netted his first four NHL goals this season and has nine points in 27 games to go along with nearly a point-a-game in the AHL with 37 points through 41 games. His production in 2015 has put himself back on the map and in the conversation for a role in what should be a revamped lineup in Buffalo next season. If not with the Sabres then maybe he's caught the attention of another team and revived his trade value in the process. Travis Watson

November 2013 – Larsson who was one of the pieces acquired by the Sabres for former captain Jason Pominville was creating some buzz coming into camp after helping lead the way for Sabres prospects with three goals and two assists while carrying them to the finals of the Traverse City Prospect Tournament. Unfortunately that buzz has waned with Larsson only registering one assist through his first 16 games after making the Buffalo roster out of training camp. Not quite the production the Sabres were hoping they would get for the former second round pick of the Minnesota Wild. The Sabres are clearly content on writing this season off and are in full rebuild mode so I would expect Larsson to finish out the year with them and gain much needed experience as not much can get worse in Sabres land. Travis Watson

April 2013 – Larsson has moved into an excellent organization for his future, he will have a real solid opportunity to crack the lineup, receive recalls and grow into a good player. He will join Rochester where he will be the top legitimate scoring prospect and one of the top recall options. His only downfall is that Buffalo owns a couple prospects with higher ceilings and a very good group of prospects, so he will need to battle for every chance he gets. Jason Banks

March 2013 – He has adjusted well to North America and is showing a stable ability to hold a top six role in the AHL at the age of 20. Larsson already has received a temporary recall in late February and played a responsible 14 minutes while posting a pair of shots. Larsson is likely to spend more time at the AHL level, this may be blessing for some intense fantasy managers, as they can allow bigger names like Charlie Coyle and Mikael Granlund to integrate themselves into the Wild’s roster, allowing Larsson to slip in under the radar for a manager who is on the ball. I would want to see more growth of offense from his game before acquiring him, but keep him on your radar. Jason Banks

August 2012 – Larsson signed an entry-level contract with the Wild, and will attend their training camp this fall. He has a shot at making the team, but will be completing with Jason Zucker, Brett Bulmer, Matt Kassian, and Charlie Coyle among others for a spot on the suddenly deep Minnesota squad.

April 2012 – Johan Larsson is not exceptional at any one area of play. He is a very hard worker and has decent skill. His vision and awareness in all zones make up his greatest asset. After being selected by the Wild in 2010, he had a standout performance during the 2011-2012 Elitserien season with Brynas. He posted a solid 36 points in 49 games. In his six games at the WJC as the captain for Sweden, he maintained an assist-per-game. Larsson is a great fit for the Wild not only in his two-way and team-oriented style. His leadership potential and the organization’s lack of quality depth among their NHL forwards works in his advantage. The situation in Minnesota right now is ideal for a player like Larsson to join, and that or the AHL is the expectation for next season. In either case Larsson will have to adapt to North American play but has a style that should translate well. The sooner he plays well in North America, the better his chances of getting a quality role with Minnesota. Larsson projects as a very good second line option eventually with some playmaking ability.

Fantasy Outlook: B-

Should find a role either as a playmaker or a very good third-line forward. He is a very solid prospect all around.

Footage:

Larsson with a big time pass to Max Friberg in the 2012 U20 WJC against Slovakia:

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