Liam Pettersson – 2025 NHL Prospect Prospect Profile – Hockey Writer – NHL Entry Draft
2024-25 Team: Växjö Lakers HC J20 (J20 Nationell)
Date of birth: January 4, 2007
Place of birth: Gislav, Sweden
HT: 6 feet 2 wt: 170 lbs
Shooting: Left
Location: d
NHL Draft Position: Qualified in 2025
Ranking
Although Liam Pettersson is not a superstar in offense or defense, he offers enough of both to make him an interesting mid-range prospect, especially for Vancouver Canucks fans due to his last name. His best feature is his ability to skate, and he uses speed and agility to escape his opponents while handling the puck and moving forward while defending. He plays a body style that is never afraid of eliminating hits, although he does not defend in space and defend along the boards.
Related: 2025 NHL Draft Guide
On the offensive end, he thrives on the transition, carrying the puck and making clear breakthrough passes to inspire opportunities and help him with 15 assists at the J20 Nationell level this season. Even as a defender, he is willing to lower his skating and approach the net with the hockey. However, his death in the offensive zone is even more shaky and still needs to be developed.
Most of Pettersson’s career paths show a player who is more than his year. Although he was only 18 in January, he averaged more than half of each game in the J20 league. In fact, his performance won him a quick five-game match from Växjö’s senior team. He also performed well in several playoff appearances and several international games this season in the J18 playoffs, most notably scoring 11 points in six games.
Other draft information
Petterson’s offensive Poles should get his attention, but his fight against defeating the defense may leave him even further behind the board than he otherwise. However, the combination of his youth and maturity will be enough for the team to take him away, which is likely in the middle of the fourth round.
quotation marks
“6’2”, the left-shot defender has excellent mobility and some offense upside, scoring 21 points in 39 games for the Växjour Lakers in Sweden’s J20 Nationell League. Pettersson is great enough to be on the Lakers’ SHL roster for five games at the age of 18, which always bodes well for a draft-eligible defender. ” – Daniel Wagner, North Shore News
“Pettersson is a mobile defender who is able to skate the puck quickly and check with men. He has enough skills to appeal, even if I don’t call him a natural hockey player. He is a solid enough two-way player that has a real chance to play the game even if it’s not great at either end of the rink.” – Corey Pronman, Track and Field (from June 10, 2025)
Advantages
- Skating mobility
- Defensive body
- Offensive transition game
Under construction – Improvement
- Offensive zone hockey
- Defeat the defense
- Defend in space
NHL Potential
If Pettersson develops his defense further, he could become an offensive second-hand defender who plays with the defense-oriented shutdown Blueliner. His offensive ability in hockey could also make him a strong contender.
Risk and Reward Analysis
Risk – 2/5, Reward – 3.5/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense – 6/10, Defense – 5/10
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