With their second pick of the second round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Boston Bruins selected from the Vaxjo Lakers of the J20 Nationell, Liam Pettersson.
Liam Pettersson’s rise through the ranks of Swedish hockey has been a steady climb, marked by skill, maturity, and a growing reputation as one of the more intriguing young defensemen from Sweden. Born on January 4, 2007, in Gislaved, Sweden, Pettersson has carved out a name for himself with the Växjö Lakers organization, showcasing a blend of mobility, physicality, and some offensive upside that has caught the attention of scouts.
Pettersson has benefited from a strong support system. Growing up in a hockey-loving country like Sweden, and in a town with a rich sporting culture, likely played a significant role in shaping his early passion for the game.
Pettersson doesn’t really have a favorite NHL club. However, given his Swedish roots and the popularity of players like Elias Pettersson (no relation) and the Vancouver Canucks in Sweden, it wouldn’t be surprising if he followed their games closely. That said, Liam has always been focused on his own development, and his career trajectory suggests a player more interested in refining his craft than idolizing others.
Pettersson began his hockey journey with Gislaveds SK, his hometown club, where he developed the foundational skills that would later define his game. His talent quickly became evident, and he soon joined the Växjö Lakers’ junior program, one of the top development pipelines in Sweden. By the 2024–25 season, he was a key contributor for the Lakers’ J20 team in the Nationell league, Sweden’s top junior circuit.
In 39 games with Växjö’s J20 squad, Pettersson recorded 21 points, including six goals, while maintaining a steady presence on the blue line. His performance earned him a five-game call-up to the Lakers’ senior team in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), a significant milestone for any draft-eligible player. He also made a strong impression in the J18 playoffs, tallying 11 points in just six games—a testament to his ability to elevate his play in high-stakes situations.
Pettersson’s game is built around his skating. At 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds, he moves with a fluidity that allows him to cover ground quickly, both in transition and in defensive recovery. His edgework and lateral mobility are standout traits, enabling him to evade forecheckers and carry the puck out of his own zone with confidence. He’s particularly effective in transition, where he uses his vision and passing ability to spark offensive rushes.
Defensively, Pettersson plays with a physical edge. He’s not shy about engaging along the boards or delivering timely hits, and he shows a willingness to battle in front of the net. However, his defensive game is still a work in progress. He can struggle when defending in open ice, particularly against quicker forwards, and his positioning sometimes leaves room for improvement. That said, his compete level and hockey IQ suggest that these are areas he can refine with experience and coaching.
Offensively, Pettersson is more of a facilitator than a finisher. He’s comfortable skating the puck into the offensive zone and isn’t afraid to jump into the play, acting almost like a fourth forward at times. His passing in transition is crisp and accurate, but his decision-making in the offensive zone can be inconsistent. He occasionally forces plays or hesitates under pressure, which can lead to turnovers. Still, his instincts and creativity hint at untapped potential, especially if he continues to develop his confidence and puck-handling skills.
One of the more encouraging aspects of Pettersson’s profile is his versatility. He’s been used in all situations—power play, penalty kill, and even late-game defensive assignments. Coaches trust him to make smart decisions, and he’s shown a knack for adapting to different roles. This adaptability, combined with his physical tools, makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster its blue line depth.
Heading into the 2025 NHL Draft, Pettersson was ranked 28th among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting. While some outlets projected him as a mid-round pick, others saw him as a potential sleeper—someone who could outperform his draft position with the right development path. One scout told me “He needs to be in the right developmental situation”.
The Bruins’ decision to draft Pettersson reflects their belief in his long-term upside. While he may not be NHL-ready for several years, his combination of size, skating, and two-way potential gives him a solid foundation to build upon. If he can continue to improve his defensive reads and sharpen his offensive instincts, there’s a real chance he could develop into a reliable second-pairing defenseman with special teams utility.
Looking ahead, Pettersson is expected to remain in Sweden for at least another season, continuing his development with the Växjö Lakers. This path allows him to gain valuable experience against older, more physically mature competition while refining the finer points of his game. It also gives the Bruins time to monitor his progress and determine the best timeline for bringing him over to North America.
In summary, Liam Pettersson’s story is one of steady growth and untapped potential. From his early days in Gislaved to his breakout performances with Växjö’s junior and senior teams, he has consistently shown the tools and mindset needed to succeed at the next level.
Dom - Hockey 