Mattias Hävelid was drafted by the San Jose Sharks, 45th overall, during the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Born in Sweden, Hävelid, a defender, represented Sweden at numerous international hockey events, while playing for his club team, Linkoping HC.
2021-22:
This season, Hävelid spent time playing in the J18, J20, and SHL. Hävelid would destroy competition in the J18 league to begin the season. He would play in two games, score two goals, and record an assist. Linkoping would then call him up to play for the J20 team, and he excelled again. In a brief 29-game stint, the 18-year-old would score ten goals and nine assists. Due to his maturity, Hävelid was able to play in the SHL, the top professional hockey league in Sweden. Hävelid would play in 23 games, unable to record a point. Although, remember he is a d-man.
Analysis:
The 5'11" defenseman is described as an undersized, skillful player. The Swede was even ranked as the 19th best European skater by NHL Central Scouting. Hävelid is a smooth skater and uses his edge work to an advantage. He has a sneaky shot and regularly gets pucks on net. He fits in as a modern-day D-man due to his smarts, speed, and skill. When playing against his age group, the d-man excels. For example, during the U18's, Hävelid was given assistant captain honors, as he scored four goals and eight assists in six games. He and Team Sweden won gold.
Question(s) and Answer(s):
Q: Who was/is your favourite NHL hockey team?
A: I didn't have a favourite hockey team, now it's the Sharks
Q: What is your favourite hockey memory?
A: My favourite hockey memory is winning gold at the WJC-18
Q: Who is a person you look up to?
A: My dad
Q: Who is your favourite hockey player?
A: Erik Karlsson