Player's Profile
- Name: Johan Fransson
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 183 lbs
- Birthdate: 1985-02-18
- Eligible for Draft: 2003
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Kalix, Sweden
- Acquired: via trade, February 2007
- Playing In: Europe
Johan Fransson
Prospect Grade: 7.0 F (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: Johan Nilsson
History
Fransson was considered the top Swedish defenseman eligible for the 2003 NHL Entry Draft but opted out seeing as his 2002-03 season was very much ruined due to injuries. It was a wise decision since he has become a high quality defenseman in the SEL this season. Entering the season Fransson was the No. 7, No. 8 defenseman on Luleå’s SEL roster but quite quickly became a regular. At the end of the season Fransson was arguably Luleå’s best defenseman and good enough to represent the Swedish National Team in an exhibition game. Fransson was also the best defenseman on the Swedish U20 team in the World Junior Championships scoring 3 goals in 6 games.
2006-07: Split time between the SM-Liiga in Finland and the SEL in Sweden, combining for seven points in 49 games. Fransson's game declined demonstrably this season. Was involved in a trade deadline deal between Los Angeles and Dallas.Talent Analysis
An excellent skater with loads of offensive potential. Fransson is very mobile and moves the puck in an impressive way. He has a good release and is unlike many other young defensemen not afraid to challenge the opponents and do the unexpected. On the downside Fransson can still improve his defensive game and at times he is a bit risky. Still the fact remains that Fransson led the entire team being +9 after the regular season, as a SEL rookie.
Future
Fransson's play declined during the 2006-07 season. But the Kings saw enough potential in him to acquire him as an additional asset in a trade deadline package that involved other players and draft picks. There does not appear to be any immediate push to bring Fransson to North America by the Kings organization. He is likely to spend at least another season in Europe before the Kings will reassess whether to bring him over.
ETA: N/A
Stats
|
Year
|
Team
|
League
|
GP
|
G
|
A
|
Pts
|
PIM
|
|
2002-03
|
Lulea
|
SEL
|
3
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
2003-04
|
Lulea
|
SEL
|
44
|
3
|
3
|
6
|
28
|
|
|
Lulea*
|
SEL
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
4
|
|
2004-05
|
Lulea
|
SEL
|
43
|
1
|
6
|
7
|
30
|
|
|
Lulea*
|
SEL
|
3
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
2005-06
|
Lulea
|
SEL
|
50
|
3
|
5
|
8
|
74
|
|
|
Lulea*
|
SEL
|
6
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
6
|
|
2006-07
|
Frolunda
|
SEL
|
35
|
0
|
6
|
6
|
18
|
|
|
Assat
|
SM-Liiga
|
6
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
|
|
Linkoping
|
SEL
|
8
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
4
|
Profile Last Updated: March, 4th 2008
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