2023 NHL Draft: Getting to know Axel Landen

When the San Jose Sharks opened up the draft, the team selected big-bodied forwards with NHL skill. It was clear that General Manager Mike Grier was worried about the size of the prospect pool up front and he filled that need by drafting Will Smith, Quentin Musty and Kasper Halttunen. Only then did the Sharks turn the team’s attention to the blueline.

What followed was a trio of defensemen. (We’ll take a look at the third defenseman drafted, Eric Pohlkamp tomorrow.) Luca Cagnoni we’ve already examined. The young defenseman was a steal at 123. In him, the Sharks receive a skilled defenseman, though one that’s on the smaller side. Cagnoni will drive offense, while Axel Landen, pick number 130, will shut down the other team’s forwards.

Position: Defense
Age: 18
Date of Birth: March 29, 2005
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185 lbs.
Shoots: Right
2022-23 HV71 J18 (J18 Region): 6 games, 5 points (2 G, 3 A)
2022-23 HV71 J18 Playoffs (J18 National): 4 games, 2 points (1 G, 1 A)
2022-23 HV71 J20 (J20 National): 44 games, 16 points (10 G, 6 A)
2022-23 HV71 J20 Playoffs (J20 National): 4 games, 3 points (0 G, 3 A)
2022-23 Sweden U18 WJC-18: 7 games, 0 points
2022-23 Sweden U18 International Jr: 19 games, 1 point (0 G, 1 A)

Looking at his numbers, you’ll find that Landen will not blow you away on offense. However, writing off the defenseman would be a mistake. There’s a reason why Landen continues to make Sweden’s national teams even though he’s not producing points. Landen is your quintessential defensive defenseman.

What do scouts say about Landen’s game?

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman probably sums up Landen in one sentence the best.

“Axel Landen is a pain in the rear to play against,” wrote Pronman.

That’s not all Pronman said, but if you’re looking for a sentence to explain Landen’s game, that’s a good as one as any. According to Pronman, Landen’s hockey sense is poor, but every other skill set he possesses is NHL average. That’s not a bad thing when you’re looking at a fifth round draft pick. There will be holes in every player’s game; it’s just what holes you’re willing to live with.

“Landen is an excellent defender. He makes a lot of stops due to his skating and physicality. He closes on checks very well with his skating and length,” said Pronman in a more in-depth analysis of Landen. “He is one the hardest defensemen to play against in his age group, often finishing his checks with force and never shying away from physical play. The issue with Landen is his puck game. He shows flashes of good puck skill, but his decision-making with the puck is an issue and he doesn’t show much hockey sense. He does have a good point shot, though.”

The physicality in Landen’s game was also highlighted in Elite Prospects’ analysis of the young defenseman.

“Axel Landén is physically active, engages in battles with purpose and has solid understanding on how to gain leverage and establish body positioning, pin players down along the boards,” wrote Elite Prospects. “He’s shown he can find the best passing lane in the offensive zone, threading passes to the back post instead of going for simple point shots. Impressive on breakouts, where he reads the incoming pressure and hits the centre with a hard pass to start a rush.”

Meanwhile, Brock Otten of McKeen’s Hockey evaluated Landen’s play during the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship.

“Not an impactful player on the score sheet, Landen was a standout in the defensive end for the Swedes,” wrote Otten. “He was a top penalty killer and held down the team’s third pairing. He looks the part of a future stay at home type at the NHL level with good mobility, size, and physicality, all from the right side.”

What’s next for Landen?

Landen is expected to return to Sweden for the next season and will likely play for HV71 in the top tier of the Swedish Hockey League. Fellow Sharks’ prospect Filip Bystedt is also expected to play in the SHL next season, so it’s a good proving ground for Landen.

Do not expect Landen to show up in a Sharks’ jersey in the next year or two. As with most fifth round picks, he will need some time to develop. Remember, even Joe Pavelski took two full seasons before he was ready to make his NHL debut and when he did, he was in and out of the lineup for the Sharks for most of that season.

The point is, San Jose will take its time developing Landen and Sharks fans should be prepared to wait at least two years before they even see Landen skating onto the ice with the Barracuda.