Hakansson, Belchetz, Gustafsson | DRAFT PROFILES

William Hakansson3
By Devils Staff
NewJerseyDevils.com Staff

ESSENTIALS

RANKING: 9th EU Skater (Central Scouting)
POSITION: D
AMATEUR CLUB: Luleå HF U20 (U20 Nationell), Luleå HF SHL
HEIGHT: 6-4
WEIGHT: 207
SHOOTS: L 
COUNTRY: SWE

2025-26 STATS: SHL: 22 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 PTS, +1, 8 PIM

SCOUTING REPORTS

"He's athletic and plays a hard and physical style. He skates well, falling back onto his heels and his edges comfortably for a player his age and size. I like his pivots. He can occasionally get a little jumpy on both sides of the puck, but he can shoot it, pass it, and walk the line." - Scott Wheeler, The Athletic

 "He is a two-way defenceman whom I expect to add layers of offence as he matures and gains more experience. Currently, he defends well, pinning defenders low in the defensive zone and guarding the net-front with vigor. Once he has the puck, he makes smart decisions, whether waiting for breakout lanes to open or forcing the issue by transporting the puck." - Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet

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ESSENTIALS

RANKING: 9th NA Skater (Central Scouting)
POSITION: LW
AMATEUR CLUB: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
HEIGHT: 6-5
WEIGHT: 227
SHOOTS: L 
COUNTRY: CAN

2025-26 STATS: 57 GP, 34 G, 25 A, 59 PTS, +19, 45 PIM

SCOUTING REPORTS

 "Still, there are a few players who want to cause as many headaches for opponents as Belchetz. There are plenty of obvious translatable traits, such as a hard shot release, a big 6-foot-5 frame, and a level of fearlessness that very few prospects possess. The biggest concern? He’s a below-average skater at best." - Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

 "His feet can be a little heavy out of the blocks, and his stride can look a little clunky, but he can really get around the ice and drive the middle once he gets moving. And while some of his impact is driven by his sheer size and his ability to stay over pucks and drive into spots, he’s also got strong offensive tools, he handles well into congested areas, he's comfortable going to his backhand and he can really shoot the puck." - Scott Wheeler, The Athletic

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ESSENTIALS

RANKING: 7th EU Skater (Central Scouting)
POSITION: D
AMATEUR CLUB: HV71 U20 (U20 Nationell), HV71 (SHL)
HEIGHT: 6-4
WEIGHT: 201
SHOOTS: L 
COUNTRY: SWE

2025-26 STATS: SHL: 27 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 PTS, -8, 4 PIM

SCOUTING REPORTS

 "His skating is good for his size, allowing him to play a very mobile game. Gustafsson rarely struggles to get the puck out of his zone. A lack of flash and high-end offensive instinct likely won’t help his draft projection, but there’s still a ton to like about the way he defends and takes up space." - Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

"Gustafsson’s game isn't about his offense despite having some elements (above-average skating and respectable handling for a big man). He’s a big, rangy, strong, sturdy defender who plays a physical, competitive brand and moves well. He projects as a solid two-way NHL D, and his profile is the coveted one in the league these days." - Scott Wheeler, The Athletic

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