Håkansson: Top NHL Draft Prospect

0:00On April 7, William Hawkinson is making ways as a top prospect for the 2026 NHL draft. This 6'4-207-pound left-shooting defenseman from Solna, Sweden was born on October 8, 2007, in place for Lulu HFs under 20 team in the U-20 National League. He's a first-year eligible player, ranked 9th among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting's mid-term list, with spots like 21st by Sam. Kocentino in 25th by daily face-off, putting him solidly in first round conversations. Hawkinson is log-time across three Swedish leagues this season, including the SHL, U-20 National, and hockey-alls-Venskin showcasing his. Defensive chops. His long-reach and stickwork shined and shutting down rushes and keeping foes out of high danger zones, backed by smooth skating for his size that lets him close gaps quick. Scouts praise his gap control, penalty kill reliability, and active point play with a heavy shot, though his point totals stay

1:02modest. He's got that shut down vibe team's cray from Big Demon, fresh off a gold medal with Sweden at the under 20 world juniors, but some say he shies, from battles and needs to lean into his frame more. On offense, he stray forward, a first-pass guy who drives breakouts but lacks flash, with puck skills under pressure as a work in progress. Projections pick him as a late first or early second round pick, potentially a bottom pair shut down specialist who could climb to second pair if his. Game rounds out. If Hawkinson bokes up his physicality and refines that offense next year, maybe with a full SHL stint, he could lock down NHL blue lines for. Years keep an eye on his towering suite as draft buzz builds. Team coverage, powered by AI, this is NHL News Today. I'm Corey with the story.