Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - In the days leading up to the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, WGR will provide profiles on some players that could be available for the Sabres with the 27th overall pick in the first round.
Composure is the name of William Hakansson's game from the blue line. No matter what comes his way, no matter what obstacle he faces on the ice, Hakansson is as calm, cool and collected as you may find.
Hakansson is one of the oldest prospects available in this year's NHL Draft, and was able to get ample playing time at just about every level he played.
The October-born defenseman was able to get into 22 games in the Swedish Hockey League with his parent club, Lulea HF, where he produced just two assists in more limited action on the back end. But to play in Sweden's top men's league as mostly an 18-year-old, especially as a defenseman, is a testament to his style of play.
But because his playing time in the SHL was more limited, Lulea decided to loan Hakansson to the HockeyAllsvenskan (Sweden's second-tier men's professional league) and play with Almtuna IS, where he scored two goals and added a pair of assists for four points in 16 games played.
Hakansson also got the chance this year to represent Sweden at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he averaged 14:20 of ice-time per-game and picked up two assists in seven games played. He was a key defensive piece on a roster that managed to win its first gold medal at the tournament since 2012.
Hakansson is a very stable, reliable defender that won't provide a ton of offensive flare, but will, more often than not, make the right decisions to ensure his team is not being put in a dangerous position. He's mentally strong, and doesn't let the pace of play, especially when things break down in his own end, overwhelm him.
In his own end, Hakansson is not afraid to shy away from contact, especially with his 6-foot-4 and 216-pound frame. While he will not run guys through the boards or look to initiate any sort of contact, he's a tough battle along the boards or in front of the net for positioning.
Hakansson is good with his gap control, not allowing opposing players the chance to get open ice opportunities. He also does well to push players to the outside with the puck thanks to his positioning and the use of his long reach.
In transition, Hakansson has a calm demeanor and does not try to rush pucks up the ice. He can pick up the pace of play if needed, but will often opt to take the route of letting a breakout develop and make the smart pass up the ice.
Hakansson is a strong skater, and can get up-and-down the ice thanks to a good, long stride. He's got good edges to maneuver well in-tight, and doesn't look too choppy out there at either end with his footwork.
While his offensive prowess is not all that strong, Hakansson certainly has a cannon of a shot that he's not afraid to let go of when the opportunity presents itself. He has the potential to be the type of player that can be a quarterback on the power play, but he's just more so built to be a solid defensive-minded guy first.
How Hakansson falls in the draft order likely depends on how teams view him in the depth of their defensive group down the road. While Hakansson does have top-four potential at the NHL level, there are questions remaining as to how high he can slot in a defensive group. If teams think he can be a top-four guy or better, he probably goes middle-to-late first round. If teams feel he's a complimentary, bottom-four defenseman, then a late first-round flyer or even early second-round selection is the likely route.
Hakansson remains under contract with Lulea HF for another two seasons, and some time continuing to develop and grow in Sweden will do him some good, as long as that upwards trajectory continues with his game. It will then be the time in North America immediately after that will likely make-or-break Hakansson as a potential NHL asset.
