Eriksson, 18, will play for Djurgardens in HockeyAllsvenskan next season

The Florida Panthers came into day two of the NHL Draft without selection until the final pick of the third round.

General Manager Bill Zito changed that about 45 minutes into Saturday’s events, acquiring the 58th overall pick from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for the 225th overall pick at this year’s draft and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Florida then turned around and selected 18-year-old Swedish center Linus Eriksson, who was the captain for Sweden’s U-18 squad and most recently played in HockeyAllsvenskan, the second-highest pro league in the country behind the SHL.

Eriksson has some size for his age, coming in at 6-foot, 190 lbs.

Speaking at the NHL Draft following his selection, Eriksson said he was thrilled to be joining the Panthers.

“It’s really cool, they’re a really great team,” Eriksson said. “I’m really excited and happy to be a part of the Panthers.”

Eriksson said he had spoken a fair amount with Florida’s contingent in Sweden.

He also appreciates what it means to be selected by the reigning Stanley Cup Champions.

“Yeah, of course, they’re the best team in the league right now,” Eriksson said. “It’s going to be really fun to be there and see everything and to meet all the guys.”

It makes sense that the Panthers had an eye on the physical center who plays a gritty style and is known as an excellent teammate.

He checks a lot of the boxes Zito looks for in new additions to the franchise.

“It’s a really good fit,” Eriksson said.

It will be at least a year before Eriksson makes the move to North America as he has already signed a one-year deal with Djurgardens in HockeyAllsvenskan, but he’ll be at Florida’s development camp later this summer.

“I’m really excited, I can’t wait to be there,” he said. “It’s going to be really nice.”

Eriksson said he’s never been to South Florida but seems to have a good grasp on what to expect.

“I know it’s hot,” he said with a smile. “It’s a nice city so I’m really excited to go there and see the city and the rink and all those things.”

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