For the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Sweden not only has two prospects who should be selected in the first round but also two who can potentially be drafted in the top ten. While Sweden experienced a down year in draft picks in 2024, this year’s prospect group looks very talented and deep, especially at forward. So, without further ado, here are the top Swedes hoping to hear their names called in Los Angeles at the end of June.
The rankings used for this list are compiled from the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s final rankings.
10. Viktor Klingsell – Left Wing
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 19th (EU skaters)
Viktor Klingsell put his name on the radar as a top prospect when he was the leading scorer at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup with 12 points on four goals and eight assists. He followed that up with another solid international tournament, adding eight points in seven games to help Team Sweden win the silver medal at the U18 Worlds. He demonstrated elite playmaking skills in both tournaments, fueled by his excellent vision of the entire ice.
While he did have some success playing in Sweden’s J20 Nationell, he has looked even better in international competition. Against Team Switzerland in the U18 Worlds, his speed and stickhandling skills were on full display in picking up three assists in their opening game victory. His size is a concern, something that he will have to learn to compensate for if he wants to have a middle-six forward role in the NHL.
9. Malte Vass – Defenseman
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 17th (EU skaters)
While the offensive side of the puck isn’t Malte Vass’s strong suit (11 points in 40 games this season), his strong, physical defensive game and off-puck awareness make him a prospect worth having on your side. He’s the kind of player that you need to keep your head up around at all times. Otherwise, you’ll be down on the ice. He can get into lanes to sacrifice the body and shows a constant strong and aggressive mindset whenever he’s on the ice.
Related: THW’s 2025 Draft Guide
Although his offensive upside may be limited at the next level, he does a good job of getting pucks on net and walking the line in order to find shooting lanes. He can spot seams to distribute the puck and shows good habits when breaking out of his own zone and moving the play forward. He is a physical defenseman with good…
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