2022 NHL Draft Tracker: Ludvig Jansson

Ludvig Jansson is quickly making a name for himself in the Swedish hockey system.

The 17-year-old is considered by many to be one of the top Swedish defensive-prospects available in the 2022 draft. He currently plays for Södertälje SK in the HockeyAllsvenskan league and has one assist in 14 games this season.

“Jansson is a really interesting defender with some huge offensive upsides and he continues to improve at the next level in HockeyAllsvenskan,” FCHockey regional scout Fredrik Haak said. “He is calm personified in many situations and is a player to rely on in power play situations where he could point from blue line. He can come down deep in his own zone, having good knowledge that he will get forechecked, but still take the hit and after that come out with the puck in control or directly after that set up a short or long pass that opens up the play. It is almost like he does offensive tackles in his own zone sometimes that surprise opponents.”

Jansson is slotted at No. 59 in FCHockey’s Preliminary ranking for the 2022 draft.

WHO IS LUDVIG JANSSON?

Jansson is a 6-foot, 176-pound right-shot defenseman who has a unique offensive tool-kit that makes him an exciting player worth watching. He has always been a fantastic skater, and that’s something scouts have taken note of over the course of his young career. Not only is his skating fluent, Jansson possesses a lethal shot and creativity that gives him an edge over his opponents His play as a young defender allowed him to make the seamless transition from the U16 Div.1 League to the J18 Elit League, and so on. Jansson has always been able to produce and play a solid role at all levels he has competed at. 

STATISTICAL LOOK

When Jansson was playing in the U16 Div.1 League with Flemingbergs IK, he recorded seven points (four goals, three assists) in 11 games — thus earning him a promotion to the J18 Elit. In 2019-20 he played for Södertälje SK J18 squad and went on to record nine points (three goals, six assists) in 17 games. He then was promoted once again to the J20 Elit League where he would record five points in 30 games. 

At the start of the 2020-21 season Jansson suited up once again for Södertälje SK but this time in the J20 Nationell League. He found success in the J20, he went on to record 12 points (one goal, 11 assists) in 18 games and was then promoted to the HockeyAllsvenskan, where he currently plays. Jansson has been able to compete at every level he has been at so far in his career and he should have the confidence to transition into North American style hockey over the next few years.

JANSSON’S STRENGHTS

Jansson has had the scouts eyeing him up for years. He plays a smart offensive style game that allows for him to thrive on the power-play. 

“He is calm personified in many situations and is a player to rely on in power play situations where he could point from blue line,” Haak said. “He can come down deep in his own zone, having good knowledge that he will get forechecked, but still take the hit and after that come out with the puck in control or directly after that set up a short or long pass that opens up the play. It is almost like he does offensive tackles in his own zone sometimes that surprise opponents.” 

“Jansson has fantastic flow and skates fast with the puck in control. If he does not have the puck, he likes to join the rush and have great movement in the offensive zone but is often the man that is quick back home if the opponent counterattacks. He was overall good tonight in his own zone. He is aggressive and has good gap control when opponents make their play.

“He acts like he has done this for several years and has a good flow in many situations on the ice that could be tricky for a young defender. At the time Jansson continued to convince that he really should be a pick in the second round of the 2022 draft.”

JANSSON’S AREAS OF IMPROVEMENTS

There are a few areas of concern when it does come to Jansson and his defensive side of play, but with the proper on ice training he should have no problem getting rid of these bad habits. 

“There are of course things he needs to work on to take the next step,” Haak said. “In his own zone, he could be a little too aggressive and sometimes end up on the wrong side of the opponents along the boards if they change directions quickly. He needs to focus more on being aware of those changes in direction and make them go away from dangerous spots instead of finding free space there. Jansson is not that strong or physical yet and that is also an area that he will work on over time, but at this level with seniors he still handles the physical game okay.”

SUMMARY

Jansson looks to solidify himself as one of the top young defenders in the Swedish hockey system. He is playing for a great organization with Södertälje SK and his exposure should only grow as the season continues.