Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, an 18-year-old forward from Leksand, was selected by the Ottawa Senators with the 25th pick in the first round of the NHL draft held in Buffalo.
Lagerberg Hoen had set his alarm for 3:30 a.m. to watch the draft from his sofa at home. He expected to be chosen in the second or third round but received the call after NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Ottawa's selection.
He described feeling shocked and overjoyed, immediately waking his family to share the moment. The pick made him one of seven Swedes taken in the opening round.
Lagerberg Hoen, whose mother club is Vansbro AIK, made his SHL debut last season before suffering a cruciate ligament injury. His rehabilitation is progressing as planned, with a possible return in September.
His immediate focus remains on returning to Leksand and earning a spot in the club's A-team.