William Lagesson Bio
William Lagesson is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays 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). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing roughly 207 pounds, Lagesson shoots left and has built his career on dependable two-way play. He was selected in the fourth round, 91st overall, by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and has since suited up for several organizations across North America.
Across his professional journey, Lagesson has also previously played for the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Anaheim Ducks. Known for a steady defensive presence and willingness to move between the AHL and NHL, he has remained a reliable depth defenceman whose path has taken him from Sweden to the highest level of North American hockey.
Early Life and Background
William Lagesson was born on 22 February 1996 in Gothenburg, 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 before joining the development system of Frölunda HC, one of the most respected organizations in Swedish hockey. His time in the Frölunda system helped shape his fundamentals as a defenceman, focusing on positional play, skating, and the physical side of the game.
While playing in the J20 SuperElit, the top junior league in Sweden, Lagesson drew the attention of NHL scouts with his size, mobility, and steady decision-making. During his second season at that level, he earned the chance to be drafted in his first year of eligibility, setting the stage for his move to North America and a longer-term professional career.
Path to Hockey
Following his draft year, Lagesson was selected 11th overall in the 2014 United States Hockey League (USHL) Entry Draft by the Dubuque Fighting Saints. He spent the 2014–15 season with Dubuque, adjusting to the North American style of hockey and gaining valuable experience against older junior competition. His time in the USHL helped him prepare for the next step in his development.
After his USHL season, Lagesson committed to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he played two years of college hockey with the Minutemen in Hockey East. Although the program struggled during his tenure, Lagesson continued to develop his game. After his sophomore year, he decided to turn professional and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers on 7 April 2017, officially launching his pro career.
William Lagesson Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
On 8 May 2017, the Edmonton Oilers announced that Lagesson would spend the 2017–18 season on loan in Sweden with Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). With Djurgården, he made his professional debut and quickly earned a regular role on the blueline. In 49 regular-season appearances, he contributed 1 goal and 12 assists for 13 points, adding an assist in 11 postseason games.
Returning to North America for the 2018–19 season, Lagesson was assigned to the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, on 20 September 2018. He continued to develop his game at the pro level. When the 2020–21 North American season was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lagesson signed a one-year contract with HC Vita Hästen of HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden’s second tier. There, he produced 3 goals and 12 points in just 14 games, showing his offensive touch.
NHL Breakthrough (2021–2024)
During the 2021–22 season, Lagesson returned to North America and played in 30 games with the Edmonton Oilers, registering four points, while also appearing in 11 games with the Bakersfield Condors, scoring two points. His steady play earned him a longer look at the NHL level. On 21 March 2022, however, Edmonton traded Lagesson, along with a conditional second-round pick in 2022 and a 2024 seventh-round pick, to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenceman Brett Kulak.
Following the end of his contract with Montreal, Lagesson signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Carolina Hurricanes on 25 July 2022. He never played for Carolina at the NHL level, instead spending the entire 2022–23 season with the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. In 65 games, he posted 10 goals and 32 points, one of his most productive offensive seasons. On 1 July 2023, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent. After starting the year with the Toronto Marlies, he was recalled on 27 October following an injury to Jake McCabe and made his Maple Leafs season debut on 28 October in a 3–2 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators. He appeared in 30 regular-season games for Toronto, recording four assists in a third-pairing role.
Approaching the 2024 NHL trade deadline, Lagesson was placed on waivers by Toronto and claimed by the Anaheim Ducks on 9 March 2024. He made his Ducks debut on 12 March 2024 in a 7–2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks and finished the season scoreless through ten games with Anaheim.
Detroit Red Wings Era (2024–Present)
On 1 July 2024, Lagesson signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Detroit Red Wings as a free agent. After being placed on waivers and going unclaimed, he was assigned to Detroit’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, for the 2024–25 season. With Grand Rapids, he has continued in a familiar role as a reliable, veteran defenceman logging steady minutes at the AHL level while remaining on call for the NHL roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
While hockey defencemen do not drive cars, Lagesson’s on-ice style is defined by smart positional play, strong skating, and an ability to clear the crease. He uses his 6-foot-2 frame to win board battles and block shots, while his left-handed shot helps him move the puck efficiently out of the defensive zone. Coaches have valued his calm approach and willingness to accept a bottom-pairing role while still competing hard every shift.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Lagesson’s most memorable moments came internationally, when he represented Sweden at both the 2015 and 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. In 2016, he played on the top pairing alongside Gustav Forsling and scored in the bronze medal game, although Sweden ultimately fell 8–3 to the United States. His NHL debut with Edmonton in 2021 and his first games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks also stand as important milestones in his journey.
William Lagesson Career Wins
Across his professional career in North America and Sweden, William Lagesson has been valued more for his steady defensive play than for offensive numbers. While he has not accumulated major individual trophies, his career includes productive AHL seasons with the Bakersfield Condors, Chicago Wolves, Toronto Marlies, and Grand Rapids Griffins, where he has consistently contributed points while anchoring defensive pairings.
NHL and AHL Highlights
Lagesson made his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers during the 2021–22 season, appearing in 30 games and registering four points. His most productive AHL season came with the Chicago Wolves in 2022–23, when he scored 10 goals and 32 points in 65 games. More recently, he has continued to provide dependable defensive depth in Grand Rapids while under contract with the Detroit Red Wings.
Other Wins and Performances
In Sweden, Lagesson posted 13 points in 49 games during his first professional season with Djurgårdens IF and added 12 points in 14 games during his time with HC Vita Hästen. He also helped Sweden reach the medal round at two consecutive World Junior Championships, finishing fourth both years.
William Lagesson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Little public information is available about William Lagesson’s immediate family or any direct hockey lineage. He grew up in Gothenburg and rose through the Frölunda HC youth system on his own merit, building his career step by step through European juniors, the USHL, college hockey, and the professional ranks.
Personal Life
Details about Lagesson’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly confirmed in available sources. He continues his professional career in North America while remaining connected to his Swedish roots.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, William Lagesson is expected to begin the year with the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he has been a steady presence on the blueline. With a one-year contract at $775,000 in place, his role remains that of a veteran depth defenceman who can be called up to the Detroit Red Wings whenever injuries or roster needs arise. His blend of size, experience, and left-handed shot makes him a reliable option for Detroit’s management group.
Throughout the 2024–25 campaign, Lagesson has continued to log steady minutes with Grand Rapids while staying ready for NHL opportunities. His familiarity with multiple organizations, including the Oilers, Canadiens, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, and Ducks, gives him a broad perspective that coaches value in a depth role.
As the season progresses, Lagesson will likely focus on remaining healthy, contributing to Grand Rapids’ defensive structure, and being prepared to step in at the NHL level when needed. His steady professional trajectory suggests he will continue to be a dependable presence in the Red Wings organization through 2025 and beyond.
