Carolina Hurricanes selected 18-year-old William Håkansson from Luleå as the 51st pick in the NHL Draft. The Stanley Cup champions made the defenseman their first selection of the event.
Håkansson waited until late in the second round before hearing his name called in Buffalo. The 194-centimeter, 98-kilogram player said the moment felt "jävligt fränt" after learning Carolina had chosen him.
Darren Yorke of the Hurricanes' sports management noted that Håkansson fits the team's style. "We want our defensemen to play close to opponents and handle a high tempo, and he fits perfectly with us," Yorke said.
Håkansson, who plays for Luleå Hockey, will attend the team's development camp this summer followed by a junior national team gathering in Windsor, Canada. His immediate goal remains securing a roster spot in the SHL next season.