The London Knights have dealt defenseman Linus Funck, paving the way for a major import deal to take place
The London Knights have traded import defenseman Linus Funck to the Oshawa Generals in exchange for two OHL Priority Selection picks, a 2027 second round pick, and a 2028 third.
Funck, 19, was drafted by London in the first round of the 2025 CHL Import Draft, 58th overall. In his first season in North America, Funck had four goals and 22 points in 64 games with the Knights.
The Swedish defender was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, 118th overall. 'Mile High Hockey' ranked Funck as the Avs 14th ranked prospect in the team's pipeline.
A 6'3 right-handed defenseman, Funck was a member of the Luleå system in Swedish junior hockey, and someone who has played international for Sweden at all levels between U17 to U20.
The trade opens up one of three import spots for the London Knights, a roster opening that looks likely to be filled by 18-year-old winger Marcus Nordmark, a fellow Swede who was drafted 28th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
Nordmark's Swedish club, Djurgardens, announced back in August that the youngster would be continuing his career in North America, although London has not publicly announced a deal for the Ducks prospect.
Two of London's three alloted import spots are filled by Maksim Sokolovskii, the 6'8 defenseman who was 2026 first round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, and potential 2027 lottery pick Luca Santala out of Finland. Sokolovskii is entering his second season with the Knights, Santala having signed for his first.
Nordmark, a big-bodied physical forward, is someone who fits the physically demanding game expected under head coach Dale Hunter, with his offensive game offering a potential top line option for the Knights if he joins the team.
Alternatively, another import option could be defenseman Juho Piiparinen, taken 29th overall in the 2026 NHL Draft by the Vegas Golden Knights, one spot behind Nordmark and two spots behind Sokolovskii.
However, Piiparainen is expected to remain in his native Finland, where he is contending for a roster spot with Tappara's main team in Liiga. Piiparinen appeared in 28 Liiga games for the club last season.
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