A few months ago, the expectation towards players eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft of the J20 Nationell was low. At the beginning of the season the names that were getting the most attention in the J20 Nationell were Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Leo Sahlin Wallenius and Oskar Vuollet as possible candidates to be selected in the first round. But as the days have gone by, the feeling towards the players in this league has improved.
2024 NHL Draft Talent in Sweden
At the moment no player is 100% settled in the SHL but players like Jack Berglund, Lucas Pettersson, Dominik Badinka, Oskar Vuollet and Simon Zether already had the opportunity to play some minutes in the SHL.
Although Oskar Vuollet has more SHL games than Dominik Badinka, Badinka and Zether will most likely have a better chance to be consistent performers in the Swedish top league at this point.
In the HockeyAllsvenskan the situation is somewhat similar with some important names still settling in the second tier of the Swedish league system such as Nicolas Zabala, Elliot Sigrell and Linus Eriksson. In this category the standout player is Michael Brandsegg-Nygård.
J20 Nationell talent for the 2024 NHL Draft
Leo Sahlin Wallenius (D)
Apr 10, 2006 (2024 NHL Draft Eligible)
The 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup was not an easy tournament for Sweden but this Växjö Lakers defenseman caught the attention of many scouts. Sahlin Wallenius is playing his third season in the J20 Nationell and this season he has managed to stand out as one of the best Swedish defenders in the league.
Noel Fransén (D)
Dec 07, 2005 (2024 NHL Draft Eligible)
Fransén was entering his first fulltime season in the J20 Nationell without the showcase of representing Sweden internationally but with a strong past of success in the J18 Nationell. This 6’0″ defender has quietly and through hard work earned the recognition of being one of the best defenders in the J20 Nationell. His profile is highly transferable to the current NHL and if he continues with his current level of play, he could quietly be selected in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Darels Uljanskis (D)
Aug 25, 2006 (2024 NHL Draft Eligible)
This Latvian defenseman may not be a household name for the 2024 NHL Draft but he has very interesting skills. This is his second season in the J20 Nationell after scoring 3 goals in 4 games the previous season. Darels plays a defensive style but his intelligence helps him to generate danger at key moments in the game.
Melvin Fernström (LW/RW)
Feb 28, 2006 (2024 NHL Draft Eligible)
For several years now, this forward has been one of the top Swedish finishers eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft. Melvin has been able to impose his power in all the national and international competitions he has played. If he can improve his technique and play without the puck he could be a great professional player.
Lucas Pettersson (C)
Apr 17, 2006 (2024 NHL Draft Eligible)
Pettersson is originally from Örnsköldsvik, one of Europe’s most important hubs for creating successful hockey players. He has spent essentially his entire career in MoDo’s development systems and has already made his debut with MoDo in the SHL. He is a player who loves to play in the slot and is capable of creating a lot of danger for his teammates. His great leadership, hard work and skills place him today as one of the top talents eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft from Sweden.
Elliot Sigrell (RW)
Jan 07, 2006 (2024 NHL Draft Eligible)
Elliot Sigrell despite being 5’7″ has managed to be one of the most talented forwards in every category he has played. He is probably one of the hardest working players available for the 2024 NHL Draft. He has great leadership qualities and top skills that really stand out throughout the Swedish class and J20 Nationell. If he can get and take more opportunities with AIK in the HockeyAllsvenskan the stock of this forward can gain importance.
HM: Simon Zether (C), Oskar Vuollet (C/LW), Alfons Freij (D), Jack Berglund (LW/C), Linus Eriksson (C), Karl Sterner (LW/RW), Liam Danielsson (RW), Viktor Olofsson (LW/C), Alexander Zetterberg (LW/RW), Karl Sterner (RW), Elias Straume Vatne (LW/RW), Jamiro Reber (C) and Svante Sjödin (C) +1.
Featured Image by Jesper Zerman