Mattias Havelid, drafted 45th overall in 2022, struggled to earn consistent SHL ice time early in his professional career. He played 25 post-draft SHL games, followed by 43 games in 2023-24 with 12 points but inconsistent minutes. The 2024-25 season began poorly with 19 games and one point for Linköping, and development stagnated. A midseason loan to Djurgårdens IF in the second tier produced a turnaround: 14 points in 18 games and renewed confidence as the team won promotion. Havelid remains an undersized, heady defenseman noted for tight gaps, poise, and offensive-zone comfort.
The problems continued this past season, when Havelid floundered with Linköping. In 19 games, he had just one point, and his development stagnated. Midway through the season, he was loaned to Djurgårdens IF in the second tier, and things seemed to come together for the defenseman. Havelid was placed on a team that included players like Victor Eklund and Anton Frondell. Combined, Djurgårdens IF won the league and was promoted back into the SHL. For Havelid, he scored 14 points in 18 games and found his confidence.
Wheeler said Havelid is "proficient at everything" and complimented the defenseman on playing "tight gaps" and having "great poise on both sides of the puck."
"He never looks like he's scrambling or having to think out there. He's comfortable atop the offensive zone blue line, adjusting his way across the line and feathering passes off of his forehand and backhand. He's heady, constantly"
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