The Los Angeles Kings continue to make this an active off-season, signing yet another key piece to the future. This time the signing was of defenseman Helge Grans to a 3 year, entry-level contract with an AAV of $925, 000.
The 6-foot-3, 192 pound Grans was drafted by the Kings 35th overall in round 2 of the 2020 NHL draft. From Ljungby, Sweden Grans comes with all of the tools to be a successful defenseman in the league. He skates very well for a big man, uses his big body to punish the opposition in the defensive zone while using that same frame to create offensive opportunities in the offensive zone.
Although not yet as polished as Drew Doughty, Grans does have the same kind of makeup in his game. He will join the rush, he moves the puck extremely well and has great vision to see the entire ice. On the defensive side, he is defensively responsible and also has an active stick he uses to break up rushes and passes in front of his netminder.
Grans does have the potential to be a great second pairing defenseman or very good first pairing defenseman on the Kings as he oozes potential. During the 2020-21 season with Malmo Redhawks of the SHL he posted 3 goals and 9 assists for 12 points in 42 games. In the 2019-20 season, he scored 4 goals and 23 assists for 27 points in 27 games with the Redhawks in the J20 SuperElite league.
Look for Helge Grans to join the Kings sooner than later. However, he may need time to adjust to the style of play. His game fits the Kings perfectly and could very well wear a letter. Keep an eye out for Helge Grans because this kid is special.
(photo: thedraftananlyst.com; Steve Kournianos) (photo: NHL.com; Sixten Funqvist)
