Top 5 Emerging Talents in European Hockey

The sport is gaining popularity, especially among the youth, who have been inspired to migrate to the real ice after playing hockey-themed video games. You can evenplay online casino games at Casino Days inspired by professional hockey teams nowadays, further showcasing how popular hockey is. Let’s get to know some emerging talents in European hockey, expected to have great careers on the ice rink.

5. Victor Eklund, Sweden

The young Swede is slight in stature at 1.77 meters and 80 kilograms but compensates for the physical shortcomings by sticking to a good work ethic. Victor Eklund's older brother William, who is a professional NHL player, can serve as a good role model.

The 17-year-old hockey skills allow him to smartly position himself in duels for the puck. With his quick hands and speed, he is able to come out victorious in most duels he gets into. However, so far, Eklund has faced mainly players from his generation. The big test will come when Victor goes against professionals and shows if his smaller frame is not an issue.

4. Ivan Ryabkin, Russia 

Russian prospect’s stocks are always high in the NHL. One of the biggest European talents right now is 17-year-old Ivan Ryabkin, a 1.82 meters and 85-kilogram player for Dynamo Moscow. Analysts are enchanted with Ivan’s great hands but are not happy with his avoidance of playing one-on-one, preferring to employ tactics to circumnavigate defenders. Ryabkin is an impressive playmaker, frequently implementing delays to trick opposing defenders.

Although the focus is on his dynamic offensive flair, Ryabkin is also a solid defensive center. Couches praise Ivan’s hockey intelligence and, not surprisingly, are happy to give him a roster spot in a loaded Dynamo Moscow. Ryabkin already debuted in the KHL and was dialed in on the ice.

However, consistency is a hockey player's biggest ability, and Ryabkin is lacking in that department. In his past seasons, Ivan tended to start hot for a few games, after which a drought followed where he remained unnoticeable on the ice for several games in a row. Future stars need to show up in every game, and this is something Ivan must overcome.

3. Radim Mrtka, Czech Republic

Radim Mrtka is a huge defenceman, and one quality that immediately jumps up by watching Mrtka on the ice is his speed compared to his size. He’s not a slow defenceman that lags behind the offense by any means, and he can push the puck and is actively participating in a rush. Another big plus is the Radim’s powerful point shot.

Despite all the positive characteristics, Mrtka is not properly developed yet, and his problem is not getting his fair chances on the ice. His team Oceláři Třinec loaned Mrtak for one game this season to a minor league team, and we haven’t seen more from him ever since. Limited play time can stunt growth as a player, but Radim’s hockey IQ and aggressiveness on the ice cannot be ignored.

2. Luka Radivojevic, Slovakia

The young Slovakian spent most of his junior career in Sweden, even playing a few games in the Swedish League. Luka Radivojevic is an undersized defender at 1,77 meters and 82 kgs, but is an intriguing prospect.

The ability to achieve fast transactions by pushing the puck from defense into offense makes him a potent weapon on the ice. Luck’s mobility makes him a deceptive passer, and his ability to change direction on a whim enables him to evade opposing players. This also makes him a dynamic two-way defenseman.

Radivojevic is a staple player in Slovakia’s under-18 and 21 teams. His elite skating and high hockey IQ offer a lot of upside for this player, and it’s expected that Luka will be a high draft pick among defenders in a future NHL draft class.

1. Anton Frondell, Sweden

Anton Frondell is viewed as one of the most talented 17-year-old European players. There is a lot of buzz about Frondell being the top European pick in the 2025 NHL draft. However, this season will be a big test for him, considering Anton is coming back after an injury, which is never good news for a young player.

Even in a shortened season, though, Frondell put up 39 points in 29 games at the U-20 level while wearing the colors of Djurgarden's men’s team. Frondell also led Sweden to a bronze medal at the 2023 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, netting six goals in seven games.

Anton is a well-rounded playmaker with great intuition for reading opposing players. The Swede possesses the necessary skills and physical attributes at 1,83 meters and 81 kilograms to be a future star of the sport - especially because Anton is an effective two-way play player. Fondell is great at anticipating plays and creating space for teammates, indicating his detail-oriented approach to the game - which is why he’s on the top of our list.

Final Words

European hockey leagues are in full swing. Many young players are entering the spotlight, with most of them aiming to impress coaches and secure a permanent spot on their teams' rosters. Others are seen as generational talents that might be scooped up by the NHL.

The NHL regularly recruits European hockey players, which speaks volumes about their quality. Europeans account forover 30% of the NHL, and their numbers are growing. In recent drafts, about 50% of rookies arrived from the old continent, and analysts believe that this trend will not subside.

Hockey is rising in popularity, and one reason for the newfound momentum is hockey-inspired video games and TV coverage. The growth in interest is expected to produce more talented players that will enrich the European hockey scene.

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