The Toronto Maple Leafs have selected Måns Gudmundsson with the 76th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Gudmundsson is a right-shot defenceman from Sweden, having played for Färjestad BK Under-20s this past season.
Who is Mans Gudmundsson?
Like earlier pick Ethan MacKenzie, Gudmundsson plays with physicality and uses his 6-foot-3, 185lbs frame to good use.
He has played in the Färjestad system since 2024, and he recently played 35 games (one goal, 24 assists) for the Under-20s team, featuring once in the SHL for the men’s team.
He also represented Team Sweden at the Under-18s World Juniors, helping to win the gold medal for his country.
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | P |
| 2024-25 | Färjestad BK U20 | U20 Nationell | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025-26 | Färjestad BK U20 | U20 Nationell | 35 | 1 | 24 | 25 |
Analyzing the pick
The Leafs continue to add defencemen to the prospect pool, with a mixture of talents and skill levels across the three selections so far.
Gudmundsson represents the most physical, defensive-minded of the bunch, and he likely projects to be more of a lockdown defenceman in the NHL if he can develop in the men’s league and take steps to improve his skating, which has been described as average by scouts.
What’s next for Gudmundsson?
Gudmundsson needs to develop his game in Sweden further, taking the jump up to the SHL with Färjestad and playing against fully grown men.
Chances to play at the World Juniors in the future could also help his stock rise.
