2025 NHL Draft Player Profile: Karl Annborn

2024-25 Team: HV71 (J18/J20 Nationell, Swedish Hockey League)
Date of Birth: Mar 6, 2007
Place of Birth: Örebro, Sweden
Height: 6-feet-1 Weight: 187 pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: Defense

Karl Annborn is known for being a two-way defenseman with exceptional passing accuracy. He holds the blue line with ease while also producing points consistently. In the 2024-25 season, Annborn played in the HV71 organization at various levels, where, across 49 games, he totaled 27 points (three goals, 24 assists). He also represented Sweden on international ice, totaling 14 points across 35 games.

Scouting Report

Karl Annborn brings a well-rounded game to any squad he finds himself playing with. His stellar hockey sense, sharp skating ability, and highly accurate passing make him a reliable player on both defense and offense. He brings a consistent, calm demeanor and off-ice leadership to the table, which many teams would find value in.

Annborn thrives when he is placed in high-pressure situations. His skating speed, edge control, and ability to cover ice quickly make him critical on both offensive and defensive rushes. He has an elite ability to both find and create passing lanes, giving himself a 90% passing completion rate and 1.75 grade “A” opportunities created per game. When he is not shining on offense, Karl Annborn is shining on defense. He makes the most of his physicality and mobility, along with his stick, to limit– or even eliminate– time and space for opponents to take control of the puck. He wins key battles and maintains strong net-side positioning to keep the puck out of the goal.

Not only is Annborn valuable in play, but he also demonstrates highly valued off-ice qualities. He is willing and able to learn from his mistakes and make adjustments constantly to improve his game. He maintains focus and composure, as well as demonstrates leadership and maturity, positively reinforcing and encouraging his teammates.

Karl Annborn does need continued time to develop his physique. While he is an effective defender, adding size and muscle to his frame would enhance his ability to use his body for defense and deliver more powerful hits against the boards. He also needs to work on his scoring abilities, particularly improving his shot choice and accuracy. An improvement in his one-timer and release from the blue line would further add to his skillset. An NHL team looking for a skilled, consistent player with eventual captaincy potential should have eyes on Annborn this draft year.