The Swedish Hockey League is already in full swing this year. It is generally one of the first leagues to get going, and all teams are sitting at ten or nine games played to this point.

A lot of NHL talent has come from this league, from the likes of Henrik and Daniel Sedin, to current NHLers Elias Lindholm, Victor Hedman, Rasmus Dahlin and many more. It breeds talented players and is a place that former NHLers go to play that is comparable to the KHL in quality of competition.

In this SHL Report, we will be going over the top Draft Eligible and prospect scorers presently playing in the SHL. Please note, all stats are pulled from Elite Prospects and InStat.

Top Prospects

Samuel Johannesson (D) – 10 GP – 2G – 5A – 7PTS 

Columbus Blue Jackets fans may recognize the name of this rearguard presently playing for Brynas IF in the SHL. He has elite skating abilities, a great shot, and fantastic control of the puck at most speeds.

His seven points so far this year already match his production from last year. That’s a definite positive out of the sixth round 2020 selection. Expectations should be tempered for the rest of the year as we see if he can consistently produce.

Johannesson is averaging 18:30 time on ice (TOI) to go along with 0.1 hits, 1.6 shots, and 1.1 blocks per game. All of his assists have been primary, which should regress to a more 50/50 split as the season marches on. Not a lot of peripheral value here, but the point production might make it worth a look in deep dynasty leagues. 

Filip Johansson (D) – 10 GP – 1G – 5A – 6PTS

This Frolunda HC rearguard has a rocket of a wrist shot who should be scoring more than one goal for this entire year. He’s taken more of a defensive first approach to his game of late, so this burst of offence to this season is a welcome sight.

He is expected to cross the pond after this season and display his wares for the Abbotsford Canucks. Originally drafted by Minnesota, it’s been a long road for Johansson but early season returns should be a welcome sight for Canucks fans.

In 18:18 TOI this year Johansson is averaging 0.11, 2.8 shots, and 1.67 blocks per game. These are very respectable and are a reason to be optimistic at the future value Johansson could have once he cracks an NHL lineup. 

William Wallinder (D) – 9 GP – 2G – 3A – 5PTS

Often lost in the shadow of Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson is another SHL Detroit Red Wings prospect in William Wallinder. He is really hitting his stride offensively this year and will be someone who fans should keep an eye on.  

Wallinder has earned his keep to the tune of 2:09 average powerplay time on ice. Should that deployment hold steady for the rest of the season you can expect to see Wallinder maintain these offensive numbers. 

His peripheral stats have been decent with 0.44 hits, 3 shots, 1.44 blocks per game. This should not come as a surprise because counting stats like these tend to go up with ice time and Wallinder has accrued 21:06 TOI on average.

Filip Bystedt (C) 10GP – 2G – 3A – 5PTS

The first forward to appear on this list, Bystedt was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in this past draft class. With only two points in 17 games last year for Linkoping HC he has already more than doubled that total. An offensive outburst in a Draft plus one (D+1) year is crucial to becoming relevant in a Fantasy League.

He has got wheels, a good NHL frame and good puck skills to boot. Let’s see if he can package it all together into a translatable game for the NHL.

Bystedt is a little light with the TOI as he is garnering 13:34 on average. Additionally he’s getting 0.44 hits, 1.44 shots, and 0.44 blocks per game. He will need to see an uptick in points and peripherals if he is going to provide anything resembling significant fantasy value. 

Marco Kasper(C) 9GP – 2G – 3A – 5PTS

Our last drafted prospect we will look at is none other than the latest first round pick for the Red Wings. Marco Kasper is on a mission to grab the SHL by the horns and make the Red Wings next year. For all the jam and edge to Kasper’s game he’s got a great shot and amazing skating.

Kasper has a knack for the net and endures endless slashes, chops and checks just to get an inch in the blue paint. His tenacity is the main trademark of his game and almost guarantees that he’ll earn a spot on the Red Wings next season off of his iron will alone.

Kasper has been deployed as the second line center for Rogle BK earning on average 15:19 TOI. He’s been good for 1.11 hits, two shots, and 0.33 blocks per game. Once he makes it to the NHL he will have tremendous peripheral upside to go along with his 40-50 point floor.

Top 2023 Draft Eligibles

Axel Sandin Pellikka (D) 7 GP – 1G – 0A – 1PTS

While Axel Sandin Pellikka isn’t the highest profile defenceman available in this year’s draft class, he’s the only one who’s spent significant time in the SHL. He can play good defence and has a nose for twine.

He is only on pace for seven points in 48 games. With DobberHockey’s NHLe Calculator that works out to 7 NHLe. That’s not fantastic production, but there is still plenty of hockey for him to play this year. He has spent most of his time in J20 racking up 11 points in eight games. 

In his SHL play he has not been heavy into the peripherals, but he is only averaging 5:30 per game. That is not surprising with him being so young, but it might hurt his draft stock to not get more playing time. He is averaging 0.17 hits, 0.33 shots, and 0.17 blocks per game. In contrast, his J20 peripherals are 1.25 hits, 3.9 shots, and 0.88 blocks per game in 24:20 average time on ice. It will be interesting to see if he can ramp up his game in the SHL to reach the heights of his J20 stats.

Leo Carlsson (C/LW) 11GP – 2G – 8A – 10PTS

The belle of the Swedish ball in this year’s 2023 draft class is none other than Leo Carlsson. Ten points in 11 games is absolutely tremendous. He is making an early case to be picked in the top five. 

As you can see, he has the hands, the skating, the frame and the playmaking skills to become a career NHLer. The question isn’t can he make the NHL, it’s when does he make the NHL. He has already making elite plays in a tough league.

Carlsson is averaging 14:54 TOI with three of his eight assists being primary so far. His peripherals are not terribly impressive at 0.5 hits, one shot, and 0.3 blocks per game. For potential fantasy owners, you will be grabbing Carlsson because of his point potential, not peripheral coverage. If he develops that side of his game as he ages and gets stronger playing in the NHL, then that is a bonus for you. 

Other Draft Eligibles

Not every 2023 eligible player in Sweden is finding the same success in the SHL. Other players such as Otto Stenberg, Anton Wahlberg and Tom Willander are finding success at the J20 level.

Until the next report, give me a follow on Twitter at @CalebScouting to see the latest clips on all your favourite prospects!

Caleb Kerney – @CalebScouting