Wild select Swedish defenseman in second round of 2025 NHL draft

The Minnesota Wild selected Swedish defenseman Theodor Hallquisth with the 52nd overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NHL draft on Saturday. They did not have a first-round pick on Friday night.

Hallquisth, who turned 18 this month, is a right-shot defenseman listed at 6'2" and 172 pounds. Hailing from outside of Stockholm, he had 22 points in 41 games on his junior team in Sweden last season, adding five more points in four playoff games. He also played in 12 games in the top division for Orebro HK.

This scouting report comes from the EliteProspects draft guide:

"Hallquisth’s value comes mostly from his reads and instincts. This is most apparent in transition where he’s got a strong desire to move the puck with control even under heavy pressure. He relies on his abilities as a passer, frequently getting away from trouble by moving the puck quickly and avoiding forecheckers by slipping or hooking his passes past them."

Skating might be the biggest question mark when it comes to Hallquisth's future.

The Wild have several Swedish players on their current roster in Jonas Brodin, Joel Eriksson Ek, Marcus Johannson, Filip Gustavsson, Jesper Wallstedt, and Liam Ohgren.