San Jose Sharks secure Mattias Hävelid with three-year contract to bolster their defensive lineup

The San Jose Sharks are stirring up the NHL waters once again, making headlines with the announcement of their newest signing: defenseman Mattias Hävelid. At just 21 years old, Hävelid has been carving out a name for himself in Sweden, and now, he's making the leap to the NHL after penning a three-year, entry-level contract with the Sharks. But is this a masterstroke of scouting or another risky gamble by a franchise in need of serious revamping?Mattias Hävelid’s résumé is undeniably impressive for someone of his age.In his recent season with Linköping HC and Djurgårdens IF, Hävelid racked up solid numbers, finishing as one of the top contributors on the blue line. He logged 14 points, including two goals and 12 assists, for Djurgårdens, and helped lead them to a HockeyAllsvenskan Championship with an impactful postseason performance. His success at both ends of the rink in Sweden raises one burning question: Is he ready to translate this success into the NHL?Hävelid’s experience in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) shows promise, with 43 games under his belt and a tally of 12 points. The defenseman’s offensive upside, combined with his ability to play both power play and penalty kill roles, makes him a versatile asset. But here’s the kicker: the SHL is not the NHL. The level of competition, the speed, and the physicality differ drastically. Hävelid’s size, standing at 5’10” and weighing 176 pounds, could also be a factor in whether he can withstand the grind of North American hockey, where larger, more aggressive players dominate.The Sharks have been rebuilding for some time now, and Hävelid's signing looks like part of that long-term plan. But this isn’t the first time San Jose has taken a shot on an international prospect who hasn't quite proven themselves on the big stage. Are the Sharks making the right bet, or is this just another misstep in their roster construction?Hävelid’s international experience with Sweden's U-18 and U-20 teams certainly suggests a bright future. He was instrumental in Sweden’s gold medal-winning campaign at the 2022 U-18 World Juniors, leading all defensemen in goals, assists, and points. His silver medal at the 2024 World Juniors, where he finished among the top contributors in assists and points, further elevates his profile.However, translating that international success into the NHL is no guarantee. The transition from junior hockey to the pros is a monumental one, and Hävelid's development will be heavily scrutinized over the next few seasons.Also Read: Oilers lean on depth and drama to snatch Game 2 from VegasWith the Sharks in need of a solid defenseman to build their future around, Hävelid may be their guy, if he can adjust to the league’s demands quickly. But with their franchise in flux, fans may be left wondering: Will this gamble pay off, or will the Sharks be left wishing for a better defensive prospect? Time will tell, but the pressure is on.