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#37 William Lagesson
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Pos: D
D.O.B.: 2/22/96
From: Gothenborg, SWE
Height: 6'2
Weight: 210
Shoots: Left
Drafted: 2014 draft 4th rnd, 91st overall by Edmonton
Acquired: Signed 1 yr contract with Detroit (NHL) 7/1/24 |
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| Plus: Elite AHL Shutdown Capabilities: Lagesson is an exceptional stay-at-home defender at the minor-league level. During the 2025-26 season, he anchored the Grand Rapids Griffins defensive zone, pacing all AHL defensemen with a staggering, career-high +33 rating across 61 regular-season games... Positional Detail & Net Clearance: He plays a highly intelligent, low-risk positional game. He uses his 214-pound frame to handle physical assignments down low, clear out the low slot, and choke out opposing cycles along the boards... Safe Transition & Average Puck Movement: While not dynamic, Lagesson features clean breakout instincts. He minimizes high-risk turnovers by executing safe, high-percentage first passes to his forwards. He logged a sneaky-productive 21 points (3 goals, 18 assists) in the AHL last year... NHL-Caliber Safety Net: With over 100 games of NHL experience across Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, Anaheim, and Detroit, Lagesson does not panic against elite pace. He provides stable depth metrics whenever elevated...
| | Minus: Lacks High-End Dynamic Edge: Lagesson is strictly a throwback defensive defenseman. He lacks the lateral deception, high-end vision, or point-shot power to run an offensive blue line or quarterback a power play... Foot Speed Against Elite Rush Pace: While functional and mobile enough for a shutdown role, his straight-line separation speed can be tested by dynamic, top-tier NHL speedsters pushing the rush vertically... |
| Organizational Comments: Red Wings GM - Steve Yzerman "I thought he played extremely well in [Grand Rapids] and... we see him as a very reliable, stay-at-home defender who can insulate our younger prospects. He gives our organization excellent depth on the left side, and he's a player we feel completely comfortable calling up to the NHL whenever we need a steady, physical presence." |
What GRC says: Fall 2026 Expect Lagesson to anchor the Griffins' top defensive shutdown pairing and dictate the pace of the penalty kill. He will be paired extensively with high-ceiling, offensive-minded rookie prospects-such as Axel Sandin-Pellikka or Shai Buium-serving as the defensive safety net that allows those players to join the rush. If a wave of injuries compromises Detroit's back end, expect Lagesson to be a primary call-up option capable of sliding seamlessly into an NHL bottom-pairing role
2025-26 Lagesson remains one of the Griffins' most intriguing blends of physicality and poise. He delivered a standout first half, posting 11 points and a league leading +23 in just 26 games. Even as the team struggled late in the season, he was one of their steadier, more reliable performers. Lagesson excelled as a shutdown defender, using his strength, edge, and competitiveness to win battles, block shots, and suffocate opposing forwards. His ability to take away time and space made him a dependable presence in high leverage situations. He consistently played with the kind of sandpaper and structure that anchors a defensive unit. He was also highly effective as the defensive conscience for Axel Sandin-Pelikka, giving the young defender the freedom to activate offensively. Lagesson's stability and awareness were key in allowing that pairing to thrive. Returning for another season, Lagesson will continue to be a rock on the blue line-a dependable, physical, and intelligent defender who brings balance to any pairing
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| Role: Defensive Defenseman |
| Projection: Shutdown Defender |
| Transactions |
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| 7/1/24 | Signed 1 yr contract with Detroit (NHL) |
| 9/14/24 | Invited to Detroit (NHL) Training Camp |
| 10/6/24 | Placed on waivers by Detroit (NHL) |
| 10/7/24 | Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) |
| 11/18/24 | Recalled by Detroit (NHL) |
| 11/19/24 | Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) |
| 12/3/24 | Recalled by Detroit (NHL) |
| 12/4/24 | Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) |
| 12/20/24 | Recalled by Detroit (NHL) |
| 12/22/24 | Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) |
| 12/24/24 | Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) |
| 1/3/25 | Recalled by Detroit (NHL) |
| 1/8/25 | Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) |
| 1/9/25 | Recalled by Detroit (NHL) |
| 1/13/25 | Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) |
| 1/14/25 | Recalled by Detroit (NHL) |
| 1/21/25 | Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) |
| 1/23/25 | Recalled by Detroit (NHL) |
| 1/26/25 | Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) |
| 1/27/25 | Recalled by Detroit (NHL) |
| 6/27/25 | Signed 2 yr contract extension with Detroit (NHL) |
| 9/18/25 | Invited to Training Camp |
| 10/2/25 | Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) |
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