Washington Capitals Draft Grades: Ludwig Persson

The Washington Capitals selected Ludwig Persson with the 85th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Over the weekend at the conclusion of Development Camp, the team signed the 18 year old forward to a three year entry level contract.

Persson will earn $775,000 in each of the first two seasons of the deal while the third year will be a two way deal where he will make $800,000 in the NHL and $82,500 in the AHL.

In 41 games with Frolunda (Sweden Jr.) last season, the six foot, 185 pound left wing recorded 61 points with 25 goals and 36 assists. That led the team and ranked second in Sweden’s top junior league. In the playoffs he added three goals in three games.

The Gothenburg, Sweden native also appeared in 10 games with Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He also recorded one goal in three games for Sweden’s U20 team last season and five points in three games for the U19 team with four goals and one assist.

Persson was ranked 11th among European left wings and 46th among all European skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

Elite Prospects said this about Persson in their NHL Draft Guide:

"Persson’s hockey sense is his best attribute. The Frölunda forward consistently displays an understanding of positioning and spacing on the ice and of how to open up gaps in the opposing coverage with his skating, especially off of the rush. He’s also an effective playmaker, using manipulation in the form of look-offs and body feints to open up passing lanes to find his teammates."

Grade A: This is another forward at left wing the Caps can stock up on for that inevitable departure of Alex Ovechkin to retirement. Persson is fast and has a good hockey IQ. He can also pass the puck well in addition to scoring. Overall this was a good draft by the Caps.