Carl Axelsson, a 19-year-old goaltender from Danderyd, Sweden, was selected by the Utah Mammoth in the fourth round, 115th overall, in the 2026 NHL Draft — the only Swedish goaltender chosen in the entire class. The 6-foot-4, 183-pound netminder is known for playing deep in his crease and letting the game come to him, relying on composure and his big frame rather than excess movement.
Axelsson’s path to the draft wound through both Sweden and North America. After winning a Swedish junior title with Skellefteå, he crossed the Atlantic in 2024 and struggled in his first USHL stint before rebuilding his game in the NAHL, then broke out for the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks in 2025-26. He’s also following in his father’s footsteps, committing to the University of Minnesota Duluth, where his dad played goal in the 1990s.
Axelsson played his draft season with Muskegon, going 28-14-1 with a 2.41 GAA and a .917 save percentage across 43 games, continuing his development as one of the more experienced and well-traveled goaltenders in this draft class.
Stats and info via EliteProspects.com and InGoal Magazine
Frequently Asked Questions
What team drafted Carl Axelsson? Carl Axelsson was selected by the Utah Mammoth in the fourth round, 115th overall, in the 2026 NHL Draft.
What team did Carl Axelsson play for before the draft? He played for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL, after previous stints in the NAHL and Swedish junior hockey.
Why is Carl Axelsson’s draft selection notable? He was the only Swedish goaltender selected in the entire 2026 NHL Draft.
What’s Carl Axelsson’s playing style? Scouts describe him as a deep, composed goaltender who lets the play come to him and makes minor adjustments rather than excess movement, using his size to cover the net.
How tall is Carl Axelsson? He stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 183 pounds, and catches left-handed.
