Draft Radar Scouting Report: Europe Edition Pt. 2

Wrapping up our deep dive on the rest of the European skaters projected to go in the first round of the NHL draft, part two of this Draft Radar focus will dive into two forwards and a left shot defenseman who could all be on the New York Rangers list of names to watch out for on draft day.

Elton Hermansson - Forward, MoDo Hockey, Swe

A player who has really climbed the rankings down the stretch of the 2025-26 season, Elton Hermansson could be one of the more underrated picks on day one of this year’s draft. A right-handed winger who can play either side, Hermansson clocks in at 6-1, 181 pounds, and is one of the most pure skilled players in this class. A quick, strong skater with exceptional hands, Hermansson is a very good playmaker who has a hard and accurate shot as a secret weapon of sorts. With a high hockey IQ and great vision, Hermansson not only sets up his teammates well, but is more than capable of contributing offense on his own. 

In 13 games with MoDo’s junior club, Hermansson collected three goals and six assists for nine points. He went on to spend most of the season with their club in the Swe-1 league where he finished with 21 points in 38 games, split between 11 goals and 10 assists. Hermansson was among the standouts on an impressive Team Sweden at the U18 World Juniors as he finished the tournament with four goals, eight assists, and 12 total points in seven games. 

His hands, quick shot, and playmaking are all on display in this quick highlight reel from the World Juniors. His most notable goal, of course, came on this play where he pulled off the famous “Michigan” move. 

From any highlights you catch of this player, his offensive instincts are what stand out the most about his game. He’s always looking for open ice, finding passing lanes, putting himself in positions to shoot the puck. He may not have the most well-rounded game in this draft class, as his defense could certainly use some work, but his overall talent could be enough to outweigh any concerns in that area. 

As we’ve mentioned a number of times, the Rangers are not a team in need of more help on the wing. As such, I don’t see Hermansson being much of a priority for them. However, in the event he falls to 26th overall, there is a scenario in which he is one of the best players available.

The only other shortcoming in his game is the physical side, which is surely notable from the perspective of what the Rangers tend to covet. What’s more important is the fact that the Rangers have had quite the hole on the right wing for a long time now, specifically in the form of a right-shot right winger. Can he be a top-six right winger in the NHL? Absolutely. Will he be available at 26th overall? Hard to say, but in the event he is, he should absolutely be worth consideration.