The 2026 NHL Draft unfolded under bright lights in Buffalo, where the Los Angeles Kings made a calculated move by selecting forward Elton Hermansson with the 19th overall pick.
International Accolades
Hermansson, an 18‑year‑old from Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, arrives after a breakout year that combined club success with international acclaim, highlighted by a gold medal with Sweden at the IIHF Men’s Under‑18 World Championships.
He was named tournament Best Forward and earned a spot on the All‑Star Team after posting a tournament‑best 12 points (4‑8=12) in seven games.
Back in Europe, he spent the majority of the 2025‑26 season with MoDo Hockey in the HockeyAllsvenskan, recording 11 goals and 21 points in 38 games while maintaining a plus‑9 rating and 22 penalty minutes.
He also appeared in 13 games for the MoDo U20 side, contributing nine points (3‑6=9), and a year earlier tallied 17 goals and 36 points in 41 outings for Örebro HK Jr. in the U20 Nationell league.
A Strategic Trade
The Kings acquired his rights by trading the 17th overall selection to the Utah Mammoth, a move that reflects the franchise’s intent to bolster its forward depth with a proven scorer.
General manager Rob Blake praised Hermansson’s work ethic and versatility, noting that his two‑way play and offensive instincts should translate well to the NHL’s competitive environment.
Fans can look forward to seeing the Swedish prospect join the Kings’ development pipeline, where he is expected to compete for a roster spot in the coming seasons.