Capitals Prospects
WHN’s Top Capitals Prospects: Ludwig Persson, Swift Skater, Claims No. 10 Spot
In preparation for the 2023-24 season, Washington Hockey Now staff have compiled a list of the top 10 Washington Capitals prospects. The final rankings are based on the research and discussions of WHN staff.
No. 10: Ludwig Persson, LW
Age: 19; Ht-Wt: 6-0, 186; Shoots: Left; Drafted: 85th overall, 2022.
Ludwig Persson doesn’t have a need for speed — he already has it.
It’s arguably the 19-year-old’s top trait, with his quickness establishing the foundation for his offensive game. As a 17-year-old in the Swedish junior league, he led Vastra Frolunda Jr. with 61 points — 25 goals, 36 assists — in 41 games.
His play in the defensive zone, however, leaves much more to be desired. Persson’s agility and competitiveness will take him far, but his lack of an all-around game has stalled his ascent into becoming an NHL regular.
Not only that, but the Capitals’ recent additions — despite the paltry state of the team’s prospect pool — have Persson working from behind for opportunities.
With the additions of Ivan Miroshnichenko (1st round, 2022) and Andrew Cristall (2nd round, 2023), the Capitals have spent two top-40 draft picks on left wingers who will undoubtedly receive more opportunities to make an impact. Even Alexander Suzdalev, who the Capitals selected 15 picks earlier in the 2022 draft, will factor into the mix — especially as he is expected to play in the organization this season.
Statistics
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | Vastra Frolunda Jr. | Sweden-JR. | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Frolunda HC | SHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2020-21 | Vastra Frolunda Jr. | Sweden-JR. | 17 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 6 |
| Frolunda HC | SHL | 13 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2021-22 | Vastra Frolunda Jr. | Sweden-JR. | 41 | 25 | 36 | 61 | 16 |
| Frolunda HC | SHL | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2022-23 | BIK Karlskoga | Sweden-1 | 45 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 0 |
| Frolunda HC | SHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Where Is He Playing This Year?
Persson is on loan to IPK of the second-tier Mestis league in Finland, where he will spend the entire 2023-24 season.
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