The Utah Mammoth made a notable selection in the fifth round of the 2026 NHL draft, welcoming Swedish defenseman Theodor Knights to its roster. The pick adds a blend of European experience and defensive poise that the franchise hopes will translate into immediate impact on the blue line.
Knights was born in Stockholm, Sweden, and first laced up his skates with IFK Täby, a community club that has produced several Swedish prospects. His early development was shaped by the club’s emphasis on positional discipline and skating efficiency.
Formative Years
After his stint with IFK Täby, Knights progressed through the junior ranks of Almtuna IS, excelling at both the J18 and J20 levels before earning a spot in the MoDo organization. Within MoDo, he split time between the U18 and U20 squads, logging 24 games in the latter and contributing two assists while also seeing action in five postseason contests.
The 2025‑26 season marked his most extensive junior involvement, as he appeared in 24 games for MoDo’s U20 team and recorded two assists, while also participating in five playoff games. Internationally, Knights represented Sweden at two major events, capturing a silver medal at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup with a single assist in five games and a bronze medal at the 2025 World Junior A Challenge, where he added one assist and six penalty minutes across five appearances.
His combination of size, defensive awareness and occasional offensive contribution has drawn praise from scouts who see him as a potential shutdown specialist with upside. The Mammoth’s management believes that his exposure to high‑level European competition will enrich the team’s defensive depth and provide a developmental pathway for younger players.
As the organization looks ahead, Knights is expected to transition to professional play in the coming seasons, bringing a global perspective and a proven track record of success on both club and international stages.