The Washington Capitals selected Swedish forward Ludwig Persson with their second third-round pick (#85 overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Following the draft, Persson immediately departed for Arlington, Virginia, where he participated in last week’s Capitals development camp. Persson then inked a three-year entry-level deal before departing for home. 

Persson, 18, reflected on his draft day experience in a recent interview with his home club’s website. He noted that the draft day experience was fun, but realizes that the real work is ahead.

“It’s clear that the draft is a great experience and a fun day, but that’s all it is. Even if you get selected, it does not determine your career. What determines your career is what you do AFTER the draft. It is important that you do not, like some, be happy to get this far and stop working. Those who really get somewhere work even harder after this. Right now I’m looking forward to the new season starting. I know it’s early but I can can hardly wait!”

Persson, a 6’-0” center/left wing from Goteborg, Sweden, recorded 25 goals and 36 assists in just 41 regular season games for the J20 team last season. He also played for Frolunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) last season, but will step down a level to play in the HockeyAllsvenskan league next season. Persson has a signed contract with Frolunda HC but will be on loan to BIK Karlskoga.

“I felt that I, as it looks now, I am not really ready to be a good player in the SHL. Karlskoga heard from me and was interested and I felt that playing there gives me an extremely good opportunity for me to establish myself on the next level and hopefully be able to take the next step in my development.”

Persson, who is currently the youngest player ever to debut in the SHL with Frölunda at 16 years, 3 months and 3 days old, described his own game in the interview with his home club.

“I am an offensive player who likes to have the puck and put my teammates or myself in good positions. I have good skating (skills) that I like to use, good speed, a good shot and a good sense of play.”

The passion for hockey was born early in Ludwig, who has been playing ahead of his age for his entire career.

“Dad has always played hockey and he took me to Frölunda’s games early on. I remember nagging my parents that I should start skating school but I was too young so Dad did not let me start at first. But then we probably lied a little about my age, so in the end I had to start, haha. I found the love of hockey almost immediately and that way it has continued. ”

Ludwig was born and raised in Gothenburg with Hisingen’s IK as his primary club, but has belonged to Frölunda since his U16 season. In Frölunda, he has had time to play a few games in the SHL where he already made his debut in the 2019-20 season.

Persson also has experience with Sweden’s junior national team and several championships in his pocket. He is a forward who can play both center and wing, and who during the past season in J20 National was noted for no less than 61 (25 + 36) points in 41 regular season games.

By Jon Sorensen