Douglas Johnsson, Wiggo Sörensson shine in Sweden's U18 Playoffs
The 2026 Sweden U18 Nationell playoffs delivered a memorable run, capped by Växjö Lakers’ first-ever gold at this level. Trailing by two goals partway through the third period, Växjö’s top players rose to the occasion, with Wiggo Sörensson and Max Isaksson scoring back-to-back power-play goals to force overtime. Olle Tideman, one of the top defencemen, secured the championship with the winning goal against Skellefteå AIK. The title reinforced Växjö’s reputation as a club that develops talent.
Across nearly 40 games, there were many impressive performances, including some from players who will soon represent Sweden at the U18 World Championships. Among the 2009-born cohort, there was no shortage of standouts—Loui Karlsson’s game-breaking ability, Wiggo Forsberg’s dynamism, and Benjamin Nyström’s physical edge were among the most notable impacts throughout the postseason.
This list highlights the standout skaters of the playoffs (sorry, goalies—I’ll leave evaluations on this position to our experts here at EP), though it isn’t a strict ranking. However, one player in particular managed to stand out just a bit more than the rest.
Douglas Johnsson, D, Skellefteå AIK (2027 NHL Draft)
With five goals, Douglas Johnsson was the playoffs’ most prolific goal-scoring defenceman and finished second in points among blueliners. What truly set him apart, though, was his ability to tilt the ice—controlling play as if the game were set to an easy mode. No one had the puck on their stick more often or drove play forward as consistently, as noted in one report:
“He’s extremely sharp at creating value with his actions, dictating and manipulating play. He plays fast, but almost always under control and with a high skill level. With his quickness and evasiveness, he sells his moves and uses the space he creates, both on the backend and at the blue line.”
In the finals, Johnsson faced tougher opposition but adapted well, finding new ways to drive play. As an undersized defender, questions remain about his pro projection, but as one of only two players granted exceptional status to play in the U20 National league this season, he showed in the playoffs exactly why—firmly establishing himself as one of the most talented players in Swedish junior hockey.
Wiggo Forsberg, C, Frölunda HC (2027 NHL Draft)
He appeared in just two games and didn’t register any points before Frölunda’s playoff run ended, but that doesn’t capture the full scope of Wiggo Forsberg’s impact. His electrifying play left a strong enough impression to earn a spot on this list. What set him apart was his ability to generate offence nearly every shift—driving play at different tempos, navigating traffic with poise, and consistently delivering sharp passes. A game report from one of his appearances noted:
“It was a complete performance—not just as a playmaker or finisher, but as a key contributor in advancing the puck, both by carrying and passing. He also showed excellent work ethic and competitiveness, providing real value. Very smart, he picked pockets several times, creating quality chances in transition.”
Forsberg reinforced his status as one of the top 2009-born offensive talents in Swedish hockey.
Benjamin Nyström, LW, Luleå HF (2027 NHL Draft)
Doing everything possible to push his team toward the quarterfinals, Benjamin Nyström finished with two goals and four assists over three games and left one of the strongest impressions of the postseason. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 190 pounds, he used his size and physical tools to play effectively through traffic and along the boards. His physicality and well-timed pressure on both the forecheck and backcheck consistently turned defensive situations into offensive opportunities. With the puck, he impressed by unleashing a heavy wrist shot in one game and, in others, threading precise passes to set up teammates. As highlighted in a recent report, he profiles as an intriguing prospect for the 2027 draft.
Olle Törnqivst, D, Örebro HK (2027 NHL Draft)
Another standout blueliner was Olle Törnqvist, who entered the playoffs with 57 points in 34 regular-season games during the U18 campaign. In four games, he added three points and consistently showed his value with poise from the backend. His precise puck movement under pressure and willingness to attempt—and often complete—difficult plays set him apart. While not flashy, Törnqvist stands out as a junior defenceman with a real offensive edge.
Wiggo Sörensson, RW, Växjö Lakers (2026 NHL Draft)
When Wiggo Sörensson was added to Växjö’s lineup for the quarterfinals, an already strong team became even stronger. He made an immediate impact, recording five goals and four assists in six games. At this level, he stands out for the way he underhandles the puck, always ready to make plays, and his ability to adapt with effective reads. Time and again, he showed how quickly he could process situations, deciding whether to release his deceptive shot or hold the puck to find a cross-ice option. His pro-level finishing habits were clear, as he consistently found open ice and capitalized on chances, whether off the catch or on one-timers. Sörensson also used changes of pace to create separation, slowing down to throw off defenders before accelerating into space.
Olle Zetterstedt, LW, Frölunda HC (2027 NHL Draft)
With a dazzling style, Olle Zetterstedt made a strong impression – and like his linemate Forsberg, he did this despite not recording any points in his two appearances. He was the best player on the ice in his first game, generating multiple high-danger chances, and he stood out again in the second. What set Zetterstedt apart at this level was his versatility as an offensive threat, playing at a high pace with the puck seemingly glued to his blade. With a bit more puck luck, he and Forsberg could have swung the series in Frölunda’s favour.
Max Isaksson, C, Växjö Lakers (2026 NHL Draft)
When the U20 campaign wrapped up, Max Isaksson stepped down and immediately met expectations. With three goals and eight assists, he was a key contributor, coming up big with the tying goal in the gold-medal game. On the power play, he was a mastermind from the right flank, scoring a couple of goals and setting up several more from that spot. While he plays at a slightly lower tempo, Isaksson weaves through defenders with control, drawing attention before slipping passes to teammates.
Loui Karlsson, RW, Leksands IF (2027 NHL Draft)
In overtime of the decisive quarterfinal, Loui Karlsson clinched the win with a hard, well-placed wrist shot. He followed up in the first semifinal with a goal and three assists, driving his team’s offence at critical moments. Karlsson consistently proved to be a difference-maker, and displayed versatility—blending skill, habits and instincts with relentless effort. One standout sequence came in the semifinal, when he collected the puck along the wall and, after a quick scan, delivered a one-touch backhand pass into the slot for an assist. Finishing with four goals and seven assists in nine games, he ranked among the top playoff performers.
Oliver Sundberg, LW, Djurgårdens IF (2027 NHL Draft)
After finishing among the top scorers in U18 Nationell regular season, Oliver Sundberg entered the playoffs with high expectations – and delivered. The right-shot winger drove his team’s offence in the later rounds, consistently attracting defenders and creating space with his speed and technical skill. Sundberg’s quick release and ability to find teammates in dangerous areas made him a constant threat, while his play away from the puck stood out as he battled for position and maintained pressure throughout. Averaging a point per game, he combined scoring touch with a relentless work ethic, making an impact in all three zones.
Olle Tideman, D, Växjö Lakers (2026 NHL Draft)
Securing Växjö’s first U18 gold with his overtime goal, Olle Tideman will always be in the history books. He delivered some of the playoffs’ most impressive performances in terms of controlled, effective, and proactive puck play. He stood out for his ability to push the play and activate himself in the offensive zone. He solved pressure with anticipation and creativity, often moving the puck to better positions than where he received it, and created danger by cutting inside from the half wall. Alongside Ola Palme, Tideman formed the top defensive pairing of the playoffs.
Ola Palme, D, Växjö Lakers (2026 NHL Draft)
Ola Palme was, most of the time, highly effective defensively, often shutting down plays and controlling the inside. What set him apart was that he not only won 50/50 battles but often prevailed when the odds were against him, underlining his dominance at this level. He also contributed offensively, occasionally flashing skilled plays, and actually led all defencemen in scoring. At times, though, it was evident he was playing below his level—occasionally forcing plays, getting caught out of position, or making questionable decisions with too much time on the puck.
Dorian Eklund Aspe, C, Djurgårdens IF U18 (2027 NHL Draft)
The 6-foot-4 centre for Djurgårdens IF, Dorian Eklund Aspe, was a driving force in the opening round and performed well in the quarterfinals. Naturally noticeable due to his size, he also brought an offensive edge, a heavy shot, and flashing playmaking. Averaging two points per game up until the semifinals, he wasn’t able to contribute at the same level in the later stages. Recently named to the U17 national team, it will be interesting to see how he measures up internationally after an impressive season in many respects. As noted in a report, once he gains full control of his big frame, he could become a very dangerous player at higher levels.
Noel Nord, C, Leksands IF U18 (2027 NHL Draft)
When it comes to competitiveness, Noel Nord set the standard. His game may not always be the smoothest technically, but his relentless compete level across the entire ice and on both sides of the puck more than earns him the recognition. Along with his linemate Loui Karlsson, he was the driving force behind Leksand’s run to the semifinals, delivering a complete two-way game. Somewhat under the radar, he finished tied for first in assists. While not all of his passes were highlight-reel material, they were consistently pro-like—finding teammates in small areas or driving to the net to create chances and rebounds.
Olle Karlsson, LW/RW, Växjö Lakers U18 (2027 NHL Draft)
Giving physical edge a name, Olle Karlsson generated offence and contributed defensively with his aggressiveness and assertiveness. His quick feet and crossover skating in transition consistently created problems for defenders, and he regularly challenged opponents with speed and power on net drives, often creating dangerous chances. Highly effective on puck retrievals, he used his speed to win battles or disrupt plays deep in the zone. He played with relentless energy, which sometimes resulted in unnecessary penalties. As he learns to better calibrate his intensity, Karlsson’s combination of drive, strength, and quickness will make him even more effective.
Hjalmar Nilsén, RW, Skellefteå AIK U18 (2026 NHL Draft)
Last but not least, the playoffs’ leading goal scorer and points leader—with twelve goals and nine assists in nine games—was, perhaps unexpectedly, Hjalmar Nilsén. Compared to the regular season in U18 Nationell, he doubled his points-per-game rate, an impressive feat by any standard. Nilsén distinguished himself with a clinical shot and was a constant threat on the power play.
Honorable mentions: Mio Forssell, Skellefteå AIK (2027 NHL Draft), Olle Ågren, LW, Växjö Lakers (2027 NHL Draft), Tom Bjurman, D, Färjestads BK (2027 NHL Draft), Vilgot Nygren, C, Färjestads BK (2027 NHL Draft), Ellioth Lahtinen, D, Brynäs IF (2027 NHL Draft)
Underaged Players
Several 2010-born players made their presence felt this postseason. Brynäs top centre Leon Roos was the most productive scorer in this age group, showing his quality. Örebro featured three players who stood out all season at the U18 level. William Aaram-Olsen finished the club season strong and, alongside Roos, displayed projectable tools with his powerful skating, shot, and physical edge. Milo Spelkvist was notable as usual with his playfulness and creativity. Their teammate, Lucas Roynezon, who was recently named to the U17 national team, entered the playoffs as the best underage scorer in U18 Nationell history. He was, unexpectedly, held scoreless, but still flashed high-end skill and vision. For Frölunda, Ted Burström logged quality minutes with his high-energy style, and Isak Alvudd made his presence noteworthy for HV71.
Among defencemen, Oscar Grådahl in Frölunda deserves mention for his steady progress throughout a full season at the U18 level. For semifinalist Leksands IF, both Pelle Ytfeldt and Jacob Tjernqvist played regular shifts and acquitted themselves well.