William Lagesson Bio
William Lagesson is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on 22 February 1996 in Gothenburg, Sweden, Lagesson was selected in the fourth round, 91st overall, by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2014 NHL entry draft. Throughout his professional career, Lagesson has developed into a reliable defensive defenseman, appearing in NHL games with Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Anaheim Ducks before joining the Detroit Red Wings organization in July 2024.
Early Life and Background
William Lagesson grew up in Gothenburg, Sweden, where he began his hockey development within the Frölunda HC organization. Playing as a youth in his native country, Lagesson refined his skills within the prestigious Swedish hockey system before making the decision to pursue opportunities in North America. His early development in Sweden’s structured junior programs provided a strong foundation for his future professional career.
Prior to joining the collegiate ranks in the United States, Lagesson played for the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League (USHL) during the 2014–15 season. He was selected 11th overall in the 2014 USHL Entry Draft by the Fighting Saints, demonstrating his potential as an NHL prospect. The USHL experience helped him adapt to the North American style of play and ice surfaces.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following his stint in the USHL, Lagesson committed to a collegiate career with the University of Massachusetts Amherst, joining the Minutemen program in Hockey East. He played two seasons with the university, developing his defensive game against collegiate competition. After his sophomore season, Lagesson made the decision to leave UMass and pursue professional opportunities.
On 7 April 2017, Lagesson signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers, marking his official entry into professional hockey. The Oilers, who had drafted him three years earlier, secured his services as he prepared to begin his professional career.
William Lagesson Career
Early Professional Career (2017–2020)
Upon signing with the Oilers, the organization announced on 8 May 2017 that Lagesson would spend the 2017–18 season on loan in Sweden with Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). This assignment allowed him to develop professionally in a familiar environment while continuing his growth. With Djurgården, Lagesson established himself as a regular on the blueline, appearing in 49 games and contributing 1 goal and 12 assists for 13 points in the regular season. He continued his steady play into the postseason, recording an assist in 11 playoff games.
Returning to North America after the loan period, Lagesson participated in the Oilers NHL training camp before being assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, on 20 September 2018. He spent the following seasons developing in the minor leagues while waiting for his opportunity at the NHL level.
Edmonton Oilers and Early NHL Experience (2021–2022)
During the 2021–22 season, Lagesson finally earned a consistent NHL opportunity with the Edmonton Oilers, appearing in 30 games and recording 4 points. He also appeared in 11 games with the Bakersfield Condors, scoring 2 points during his time in the AHL.
On 21 March 2022, a significant career development occurred when the Oilers traded Lagesson to the Montreal Canadiens. The trade package included a conditional second-round pick in the 2022 NHL entry draft and a 2024 seventh-round pick, in exchange for defenceman Brett Kulak. This move provided Lagesson with a fresh start within the Canadiens organization.
Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks (2023–2024)
Following the conclusion of his contract with the Canadiens, Lagesson signed as a free agent to a one-year, two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on 25 July 2022. However, he never appeared in an NHL game with the Hurricanes, spending the entire 2022–23 season with Carolina’s AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. In 65 games with the Wolves, Lagesson contributed 10 goals and 32 points, demonstrating his offensive potential from the blue line.
On 1 July 2023, Lagesson signed another one-year, two-way contract, this time with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He attended the Maple Leafs training camp but failed to make the opening roster and was placed on waivers. After going unclaimed, he was assigned to the Toronto Marlies, Toronto’s AHL affiliate, to begin the 2023–24 season. Following an injury to Jake McCabe, the Maple Leafs recalled Lagesson on 27 October 2023. He made his Maple Leafs season debut on 28 October in a 3–2 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators. Playing in a third-pairing role, Lagesson appeared in 30 regular season games and recorded 4 assists.
As the NHL trade deadline approached, the Maple Leafs placed Lagesson on waivers. He was subsequently claimed by the Anaheim Ducks on 9 March 2024. Lagesson made his Ducks debut on 12 March 2024 in a 7–2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. He completed the season with the Ducks, appearing in 10 games without scoring.
Detroit Red Wings Era (2024–Present)
On 1 July 2024, Lagesson signed as a free agent to a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Detroit Red Wings. The contract runs through the 2024–25 season. After signing, Lagesson was placed on waivers by the Red Wings and, after going unclaimed, was assigned to Detroit’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, for the 2024–25 season. This assignment allows him to continue developing and contributing to an organization with a strong commitment to building a competitive roster.
Defensive Style and Strengths
Lagesson is known as a steady, reliable defensive defenseman who plays a sound positional game. His 6-foot-2, 207-pound frame allows him to handle physical competition and win board battles. He is a left-handed shot, which adds versatility to right-shot heavy defensive corps. Throughout his professional career, he has demonstrated the ability to log steady minutes and contribute to team success at both the NHL and AHL levels.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Lagesson has achieved several notable milestones, including his NHL debut and scoring his first NHL points with the Edmonton Oilers during the 2021–22 season. His trade to the Montreal Canadiens in March 2022 represented a significant career transition, while his performance with the Chicago Wolves in 2022–23, where he scored 10 goals in 65 games, highlighted his two-way capabilities. His career has been characterized by perseverance and the ability to contribute at multiple levels of professional hockey.
William Lagesson Career Wins
Throughout his professional career spanning from 2017 to present, William Lagesson has accumulated experience across multiple professional leagues. His career includes significant time in the Swedish Hockey League, American Hockey League, and National Hockey League, with his most productive AHL season coming with the Chicago Wolves during the 2022–23 campaign.
NHL Highlights
At the NHL level, Lagesson has appeared in approximately 70 games across four seasons with Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Anaheim Ducks. His most consistent NHL action came during the 2021–22 season with the Oilers, when he appeared in 30 games. He recorded 4 points during that season. His trade to Montreal Canadiens in March 2022 and subsequent claim by the Anaheim Ducks in March 2024 demonstrated his value as a depth defender across NHL organizations.
AHL and International Highlights
In the American Hockey League, Lagesson has been a consistent performer. His strongest season came with the Chicago Wolves in 2022–23, where he scored 10 goals and 32 points in 65 games. With Djurgårdens IF in the Swedish Hockey League during the 2017–18 season, he appeared in 49 regular season games and contributed 13 points. Internationally, Lagesson represented Sweden at both the 2015 and 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. During the 2016 tournament, he played on Sweden’s top defensive pair alongside Gustav Forsling and helped the team win their group, though Sweden lost the bronze medal game to the United States 8–3, with Lagesson scoring in that final game.
William Lagesson Family
Family Background
Specific details regarding William Lagesson’s family background, including his parents, siblings, or any family connections to professional hockey, are not extensively documented in available sources. He was born and raised in Gothenburg, Sweden, which has produced numerous professional hockey players through its strong youth hockey infrastructure.
Personal Life
William Lagesson has maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his professional career. Details regarding his marital status, spouse, or children are not publicly available. Lagesson has resided in various cities across North America and Sweden throughout his career, including Gothenburg, Edmonton, Montreal, Chicago, Toronto, Anaheim, and currently Detroit, where he plays for the Grand Rapids Griffins organization.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2024–25 season, William Lagesson enters his eighth professional season since turning pro in 2017. Signed to a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Detroit Red Wings, Lagesson begins the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s AHL affiliate. The Red Wings organization has shown commitment to building a competitive roster, and Lagesson’s steady defensive presence provides organizational depth on the blue line. His experience at both the NHL and AHL levels makes him a valuable asset who can be recalled if needed. As the season progresses, Lagesson will look to contribute solid defensive play and potentially earn another NHL opportunity with the Red Wings as the campaign unfolds.