Who Is Lucas Pettersson?
Lucas Pettersson is a 19-year-old Swedish center making waves in the Anaheim Ducks prospect system. Drafted 35th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Pettersson has quickly emerged as a key name in Anaheim’s development pipeline. Known for his high hockey IQ, balanced two-way play, and responsible puck management, he offers the Ducks a promising option for their future center depth.
Pettersson’s 2024–25 Season Breakdown
SHL Experience with MoDo
Pettersson played 29 games for MoDo in the SHL during the 2024–25 season, notching just one assist. While his offensive production in the top Swedish league was limited, it was still a valuable experience against high-level competition.
Strong Performance in Other Leagues
His real impact came in other leagues:
- In Sweden’s U20 league, he tallied 8 points in 8 games.
- With Ostersunds IK in HockeyAllsvenskan, he produced 19 points in 26 games.
These performances highlighted his offensive potential and adaptability.
Anaheim Ducks Sign Pettersson to Entry-Level Deal
In June 2025, the Ducks signed Pettersson to a three-year entry-level contract. For the 2025–26 season, he is expected to join Brynäs IF in the SHL. This move follows MoDo’s relegation and offers Pettersson a better opportunity for top-line minutes and continued development.
What Makes Lucas Pettersson Stand Out?
Reliable Two-Way Game
Pettersson is praised for his:
- Smart forechecking
- Backchecking awareness
- On-ice vision
Assistant GM Martin Madden has spoken highly of his ability to read the game, stating that he plays beyond his years and is rarely out of position.
Ideal Bottom-Six Center Potential
Pettersson projects as a bottom-six center with potential to move up the lineup. His skating, defensive awareness, and penalty-killing ability make him a well-rounded forward who can fill a variety of roles.
Comparisons Within the Ducks Pipeline
Pettersson draws comparisons to former Ducks like Rickard Rakell and William Karlsson, thanks to his strong hockey sense and playmaking touch. While he doesn’t have the size of some of Anaheim’s other forward prospects, his intelligence and reliability set him apart.
International Experience
Pettersson has represented Sweden in the U-18 World Championship and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. His solid play in these tournaments proved his ability to handle pressure and perform on bigger stages. These events helped raise his draft value and built his resume as a top Swedish prospect.
What’s Next for Lucas Pettersson?
Development with Brynäs IF in 2025–26
Joining Brynäs IF gives Pettersson a chance to play consistent minutes in a competitive SHL environment. With more ice time and a fresh start, he’ll have an ideal platform to improve his offensive production and continue growing his physical game.
Anaheim’s Long-Term Outlook
The Ducks see Pettersson as a long-term asset. If his development continues on its current trajectory, he could slot into an NHL role within the next few seasons. He may not be the flashiest player in Anaheim’s system, but his safe, steady style is exactly what NHL teams look for in a dependable center.
Conclusion: A Prospect to Watch in Anaheim
Lucas Pettersson may not lead highlight reels, but he’s a smart, efficient player with NHL potential. His 2025 ranking at No. 5 among Anaheim Ducks prospects reflects his balance of skill, discipline, and room to grow. Fans should keep an eye on him this season as he takes on a larger role with Brynäs IF in Sweden.
