Albert Wikman

September 2024 – Wikman is among the more underrated names in the Panthers’ prospect pool. Most will look at his D+1 production in the Swedish J20 league (roughly .44 points per game) and claim that Wikman does not have a legit fantasy upside. However, he is an excellent skater who could be one of the better skaters in the NHL if and when he comes over. He plays physically and is not afraid to get to the dirty areas. Coaches love players like Wikman, and often, those players receive more ice time, inadvertently increasing their opportunities to score points. While Wikman has a bit of a way to go until he gets to the NHL, he has quite a long runway because of his tools and could become a good player for years. He will be on load in the Hockey Allsvenskan (Swedish AHL) this upcoming season and will further establish his game against men. Look out for him to be a player for the Panthers over the coming years. James Connelly

June 2023 – Wikman is a mobile defenseman with significant upside in transition, equally as a passer and carrier, who has flashed impressive offensive deception and playmaking. His defensive game is predicated on strong scanning habits and his plus-level mobility. he commands his teammates to cover the biggest threats and is an effective defender, but he will need to add lower body strength and be more aggressive in closing his gaps, both on the cycle and against the rush. If he can address these areas and find more offensive consistency, he could project as a transition-heavy #4 defender, though a third-pairing role in a modern and fluid system is a more comfortable bet. Sebastian High