Ducks sign 2024 second-round pick to entry-level contract

The Anaheim Ducks have signed 2024 second-round draft pick Lucas Pettersson to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Pettersson split his season between Swedens SHL and HockeyAllsvenskan and is expected to return to the SHLs MoDo Hockey next year.

Pettersson had a quiet introduction to the pro flight.

He earned a call-up to the SHL after netting eight points in eight games in Swedens U20 league but struggled to find a clear groove in a fourth-line SHL role.

Recognizing the struggles following numerous lineup changes, MoDo opted to send Pettersson to the HockeyAllsvenskan (HA) for the entirety of January.

Having his feet under him launched Petterssons performance.

He scored a hat trick in his first game on assignment, then proceeded to net 14 points in 12 HA games throughout January and early February.

Pettersson followed his hot streak in the HA with a quartet of international friendlies with Swedens U20 club.

He scored three points in the four games, but didnt stay lit when he returned to league play in mid-February.

By the time he rediscovered his pace with four points in three HA games to end February MoDo opted to bring the dynamic forward back to the top flight.

When all was said and done, Pettersson ended his season with 19 points in 26 HA games, one assist in 29 SHL games, and eight points in eight J20 (U20) games.

His 0.73 point-per-game scoring pace in the HA fell just behind 2025 NHL Draft stars Anton Frondell (0.86) and Victor Eklund (0.74) on the leagues U19 leaderboards.

The trio posted the highest scoring paces since Noah Ostlund (0.70, 2022-23), Lucas Elvenes (0.95, 2017-18), and Elias Pettersson (0.95, 2016-17).

Lucas Pettersson earned high-end consideration for much of the 2024 draft season.

He earned a second-round bid after posting 27 goals and 57 points in 44 J20 games, though some outlets had him ranked as high as an early-20s talent.

Hes a flashy, agile forward with strong puck-skills and sharp offensive instinct.

Those traits will need to become consistent and refined as he eyes a move to North America, but another year in the SHL could go far in preparing Pettersson to join an often Swede-friendly Ducks lineup.

This article first appeared on Pro Hockey Rumors and was syndicated with permission..

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