Filip Larsson Bio
Filip Larsson (born 17 August 1998) is a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) tall and weighing 194 lb (88 kg), Larsson catches left and has built his reputation as a technically sound, positionally reliable netminder. He was selected 167th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and began his professional playing career in 2019.
Through stints in North America and Europe, Larsson has developed across multiple leagues, including the United States Hockey League (USHL), the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), the AHL, and the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). His journey from junior hockey in the United States to a contract with one of the NHL’s Original Six franchises reflects steady progression and resilience.
Early Life and Background
Filip Larsson was born on 17 August 1998 in Stockholm, Sweden. Growing up in a country with a deep hockey tradition, he was introduced to the sport at a young age and progressed through local youth programs in the Stockholm region. Sweden has produced generations of elite goaltenders, and Larsson’s path reflects the country’s structured developmental system, which channels young players into competitive junior and club environments.
As a teenager, Larsson pursued opportunities abroad, a common route for Swedish prospects seeking higher-level competition against top North American amateur talent. His decision to leave home for the USHL demonstrated an early willingness to challenge himself in unfamiliar surroundings, a choice that helped shape his professional approach to the position.
Path to Hockey
Larsson’s path to professional hockey accelerated when he joined the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League for the 2017–18 season. Playing in the USHL, one of the premier junior leagues in North America, he earned the USHL Goaltender of the Year award for that season, establishing himself as one of the top young netminders in the league.
Following his junior success, Larsson transitioned to the collegiate ranks, joining the Denver Pioneers men’s ice hockey program for the 2018–19 season. Competing in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, he continued his development against high-level amateur competition while adjusting to the pace and structure of the American college game. These experiences in the USHL and NCAA prepared him for the rigors of professional hockey on both sides of the Atlantic.
Filip Larsson Career
Early Career (2019–2024)
Filip Larsson began his professional playing career in 2019, splitting time between European and North American leagues as he worked to refine his craft. He appeared for Leksands IF in the SHL and gained additional experience with the Frederikshavn White Hawks in Denmark, two stints that exposed him to varied styles of play and helped him adapt to different tactical systems.
In North America, Larsson suited up for the Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, the organization that had drafted him in 2016. Working within the Red Wings’ development pipeline, he continued to build his professional résumé and demonstrated the consistency required to remain on the prospect radar.
NHL Contract Era (2024–2026)
On 29 April 2024, Filip Larsson signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League, marking a significant milestone in his career. The deal signaled confidence from the Penguins organization in his potential as a depth goaltender capable of contributing at both the NHL and AHL levels.
Larsson was assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate, where he continued to log meaningful minutes and develop within a professional system. His role within the organization reflected the standard pathway for goaltenders working to establish themselves in the NHL.
Return to Sweden (2026)
On 3 February 2026, Larsson’s NHL contract was terminated by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The following day, on 4 February 2026, he signed with Leksands IF of the Swedish Hockey League, returning to his home country’s top professional league. The quick transition back to Sweden allowed him to resume playing without a prolonged interruption.
Playing Style and Strengths
Filip Larsson is recognized as a technically structured goaltender whose 6 ft 2 in frame allows him to cover the net effectively. Catching left, he relies on sound positioning, controlled movements, and rebound management rather than acrobatic desperation saves. His experience across the USHL, NCAA, AHL, and European leagues has given him a versatile toolkit adaptable to different game styles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Filip Larsson’s most notable achievements is being named USHL Goaltender of the Year for the 2017–18 season with the Tri-City Storm. He was also drafted 167th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and later signed an NHL contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins in April 2024, validating his standing as a professional prospect.
Filip Larsson Career Wins
Filip Larsson’s professional résumé includes time in the SHL, the Danish league, and the AHL, where he has accumulated experience as a starting and backup goaltender. His career wins span multiple teams and leagues, reflecting the journeyman path common among European goaltenders working to reach the NHL.
SHL and European Highlights
Larsson has appeared for Leksands IF in the Swedish Hockey League, Sweden’s top professional circuit, and for the Frederikshavn White Hawks in Denmark. These European stints have provided him with competitive games against experienced professionals and contributed to his continued growth between the pipes.
Other Wins and Performances
In North America, Larsson has competed for the Grand Rapids Griffins and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the AHL, as well as the Tri-City Storm in the USHL and the Denver Pioneers at the collegiate level. His USHL Goaltender of the Year honor for 2017–18 stands as one of the defining performances of his pre-professional career.
Filip Larsson Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Filip Larsson was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, in a country where ice hockey is deeply embedded in the national sporting culture. Specific details about his parents and immediate family are not widely documented in publicly available sources.
Personal Life
Filip Larsson focuses the majority of his public profile on his professional hockey career. Verified public information regarding a spouse, partner, or children is not currently available.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 portion of his NHL contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Filip Larsson was primarily assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL, where he continued to develop as a professional goaltender. His role within the Penguins organization reflected the standard progression for netminders building toward sustained NHL opportunities.
The early months of 2025 provided Larsson with consistent playing time at the AHL level, allowing him to refine his technique and adapt to the demanding schedule of the North American professional calendar. Working alongside experienced coaches and teammates, he gained further insight into the tactical expectations of the Pittsburgh Penguins system.
Looking ahead within the 2025 calendar, Larsson’s outlook centered on continuing his development within the Penguins’ organizational structure and remaining prepared for any opportunity that might arise at the NHL level. His combination of size, technical discipline, and international experience positioned him as a reliable depth option within the franchise.