Linus Eriksson

December 2024 – The Panthers’ top pick from the 2024 class is impressive in his first professional hockey season. Through 14 Allsvenskan games, Eriksson has scored four total points while averaging less than 12 minutes of ice time a night. While Sweden has yet to announce their World Junior Championship roster, Eriksson projects to make it as their third-line or fourth-line center, playing a role similar to his club role. As an incredibly well-rounded and refined player of his age, Eriksson may not have the highest upside, but he looks like somebody who will undoubtedly play NHL games in the future. Eriksson’s impacts often detract from the stat sheet as he elevates and enables his linemates. Soon, Eriksson will have more opportunities to compete against professional competition and display his true offensive prowess. James Connelly

June 2024 – Eriksson was selected 58th overall by the Panthers. Pat Quinn

April 2024 – Eriksson is a highly intelligent centerman who could quickly jump a dozen or more spots when our final rankings roll around. His tools aren’t particularly difference-making factors, but his level of composure, reading of the game, and 200-foot off-puck habits have enabled him to play reliable minutes in HockeyAllsvenskan this season and make him quite a projectable bottom-six NHLer. His motor is high and consistent, and his off-puck positioning has consistently created advantages on both sides of the pick against professional competition. He is a capable system player who applies a ton of defensive pressure, whether on the forecheck or against the cycle. (April Rankings: #65) Sebastian High