Flames 2025 Draft Profile: Jakob Leander

Turning 19 in February, Leander is already a big player at 6’4″ and almost 200 lbs. The young defenceman has seen his offensive production drop as he’s developed over the last three seasons, but has maintained a positive plus-minus at every level dating back to his D-2 season, except for his 39 games with the J20 squad. In 39 games, Leander recorded a -11. Leander is likely to stay with HV71 J20 team next season to continue his development in the Nationell league.

Leander attended the Flames Development Camp last week, where we learned more about the prospect. Leander was proud of his prior season and how he transitioned to the J20 level, commenting on his penalty minutes that he “Like to play hard.”

Leander and his role with the Flames

Unfortunately, we don’t know much about Jakob Leander here in North America. The young man wasn’t ranked by Central Scouting, nor on any prospect lists prior to the draft. The best inference I can make is that the Flames saw how their 2023 seventh-round pick Axel Hurtig has developed and thought, “Why not take another shot at a similar player and development path?” Hurtig was named the Calgary Hitmen’s top defenceman this past season despite it being his first season in North America and the Hitmen having four NHL draftees in their lineup.

Leander falls behind a long list of right-handed blue liners in the Flames system, but seems confident in his abilities and his development thus far. If anything, the Flames appear to have drafted a rangy defender who plays a tenacious style while being a happy-go-lucky guy off the ice. Leander appears excited for the upcoming season back in Sweden, but we will see if any pathways through the CHL develop over the coming year.

Next season will surely shed more light on Jakob’s potential as he continues to play with the HV71 J20 team.

How this player fits into the Flames’ core

Despite it being a long road for Leander, it appears the Flames drafted a hard-working young man who fits their cultural goals. It’s a gamble for sure, but the Flames may be quietly establishing themselves as a development pathway for overlooked Swedish defenders. We’ve seen it pay off with the organization’s investment in their goalie development, and Hurtig’s season with the Hitmen last year appears to have raised some eyebrows in the Flames front office.

The more I read and see about this prospect, the more I like the pick given Calgary’s recent history with similar circumstances. With that being said, the competition for right-shot defencemen within the Flames system is quite high, and Leander is likely at least three years away from being NHL-ready, if ever. Despite having the odds stacked against him, I think Leander has the intangibles and work ethic to focus on polishing his skillset and improving his decision-making to transition to a pro contract within a couple of years.