Winnipeg Jets select Alfons Freij with No. 37 overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft

The Winnipeg Jets have selected defenseman Alfons Freij with the No. No. 37 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

The Solvesborg, Sweden product spent the majority of his 2023-24 season with the Vaxjo Lakers HC J20 Nationell team, where he had 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points in 40 games in the regular season. He also had 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points in 5 playoff games for the team.

Freij also played for the Lakers HC J18 Nationell team for their playoffs, where he had 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in 5 games. He also played for their J18 Region team in regular season, where he had 2 assists in 3 games.

Stiga also got to represent Team Sweden at the international level quite frequently, with a total of 7 goals and 24 assists for 31 points in 28 games across multiple tournaments. That was highlighted by his performance at the Men’s U18 World Championship, where he had 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in 7 games, which was tied for third amongst defensemen in the tournament. Sweden went on to lose to Canada in the semifinals.

Daily Faceoff’s own prospect expert Steven Ellis projected Freij to go 34th overall in his Top 120 Draft Rankings. Ellis had this to say about him in his prospect rankings:

“I thought Freij looked really solid at the U-18s where he was easily one of the better defenders,” Ellis said. “He’s good in so many elements but not exceptional in anything. Freij has the ability to be elusive with the puck and run a power play, but I do see some second-pairing potential while putting up 30ish points a year. With just some refinement, the 6-foot-1 defenseman could really take the next step in his development. His numbers have been great internationally and he’s one of the best offensive defensemen in the Swedish U-20 league.”