Helge Grans Bio
Helge Grans is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on 10 May 2002 in Ljungby, Sweden, Grans was selected 35th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He began his professional career in 2019 and has developed into a promising right-shooting defenceman known for his size, physicality, and offensive instincts.
Early Life and Background
Grans grew up in Ljungby, Sweden, where he began his hockey journey with IF Troja-Ljungby. During the 2016-17 season, he emerged as the most effective defenceman for the club’s U16 junior team, recording 12 points. The following season, he improved to become the team’s leading scorer at the U16 level with 26 points, showcasing his developing offensive abilities from the blue line.
In the middle of the 2017-18 season, Grans made a significant move by transferring to Malmö Redhawks, one of Sweden’s prominent hockey programs. This transition proved instrumental in his development, providing him access to higher-level competition and professional coaching that would prepare him for the next stages of his career.
Path to Professional Hockey
At just 16 years old, Grans achieved a remarkable milestone when he played his first men’s league match with Malmö Redhawks in the Champions Hockey League (CHL) on 16 October 2018 against EHC Red Bull München. This early exposure to international competition demonstrated his readiness for professional hockey ahead of schedule.
Grans continued to progress through Malmö Redhawks’ system, eventually earning regular playing time in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), Sweden’s top professional league. On 30 December 2019, he scored his first SHL goal against Brynäs IF, a significant achievement that validated his transition to elite-level hockey.
Helge Grans Career
Malmö Redhawks (2018–2021)
Grans spent several formative years with Malmö Redhawks, developing his two-way game at the SHL level. His progression from youth hockey to consistent professional minutes reflected his dedication and adaptability to the faster, more physical pace of senior hockey. The experience gained during this period, including international CHL play, prepared him well for the challenges ahead.
His performances with Malmö Redhawks attracted attention from NHL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The combination of his size, right-handed shot, and emerging offensive skills made him an attractive prospect for professional teams in North America.
Los Angeles Kings Era (2021–2023)
On 4 June 2021, Grans signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings. The move represented his transition to North American professional hockey, joining an organization known for developing young talent. He was assigned to the Kings’ AHL affiliate to continue his development in the minors.
Grans spent the majority of his time with the Kings organization in the American Hockey League, refining his defensive play and adapting to the North American game style. His progression through the Kings’ system demonstrated his ability to adjust to different leagues and maintain consistent performance levels.
Philadelphia Flyers Era (2023–Present)
On 6 June 2023, Grans’ career trajectory shifted when the Kings traded him to the Philadelphia Flyers as part of a three-team trade also involving the Columbus Blue Jackets. The acquisition represented a fresh opportunity for Grans to continue his development with a new organization.
After continuing his development with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Grans received his first NHL call-up on 18 November 2024. He made his NHL debut that same day against the Colorado Avalanche, a milestone moment that marked the culmination of his journey from Swedish youth hockey to the world’s top professional league.
During the 2025 training camp, Grans was placed on waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers on 29 September 2025, a common occurrence in professional hockey as teams finalize their roster decisions. This development reflected the competitive environment of NHL training camps and the ongoing evaluation process for players competing for roster spots.
Playing Style and Strengths
Grans stands at 6 feet 3 inches and plays a physical defensive style befitting his frame. His right-handed shot provides value on the power play and in defensive situations. His combination of size, mobility, and developing offensive instincts makes him a modern-style defenceman capable of contributing in various game situations.
Notable Milestones
Key moments in Grans’ career include his CHL debut at age 16, his first SHL goal in December 2019, his NHL debut against the Colorado Avalanche in November 2024, and his progression through the Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers organizations. Each milestone represents a step in his development from Swedish youth hockey to NHL regular.
Helge Grans Career Highlights
Grans’ career highlights include his early success with IF Troja-Ljungby at the youth level, his rapid advancement to professional hockey with Malmö Redhawks, and his selection as the 35th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. His journey to the NHL demonstrated consistent progression through each level of competition.
His most significant achievement remains his NHL debut in November 2024, which represented the culmination of years of development and preparation. The experience gained from playing against the Colorado Avalanche, one of the NHL’s top teams, provided invaluable experience for his continued growth in professional hockey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Grans participating in the Philadelphia Flyers’ training camp in September. His performance during camp and the pre-season period led to the team’s decision to place him on waivers on 29 September 2025. This development reflected the competitive environment of NHL training camps and the ongoing evaluation process for players competing for roster spots.
Following his waiver placement, Grans’ status with the Flyers organization remained in transition. The ability to navigate such situations is part of professional hockey, and his continued development with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms provided an opportunity to work toward returning to NHL competition.
The trajectory of Grans’ career demonstrates steady progression from Swedish youth hockey to the NHL, with each level providing valuable experience and development opportunities. His journey reflects the patience and perseverance required to develop professional hockey talent internationally before transitioning to North American professional play.
