Viktor Persson was drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL Draft by the Vancouver Canucks.
The Vancouver Canucks have relinquished their exclusive rights to Viktor Persson. The organization decided not to sign the 2020 seventh-round draft pick before the June 1st deadline, meaning Persson is now a free agent. The 22-year-old right-shot defenceman was scheduled to play in Liiga this season with the Lahti Pelicans but has been out with injury since Jan 14, 2023.
Persson is best remembered for his one-year stint in the WHL. During the 2021-22 season, he was a fixture on the Kamloops Blazers blue line, recording 29 points in 65 games. Persson also played in 17 playoff games, helping the Blazers advance to the 2022 Western Conference Final before falling to the Seattle Thunderbirds in seven games.
Persson was the fifth and final selection by the Canucks in 2020. Based on his injury history, which dates back to before he was drafted, it is understandable why Vancouver chose not to sign him. Currently, without a contract for next season, the hope is Persson can get healthy and return to the ice in some capacity during the 2024-25 campaign.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
