RALEIGH, N.C. – Eric Tulsky, General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has signed defenseman William Håkansson to a three-year, entry-level contract. On the NHL level, the deal will pay Håkansson $850,000 in 2026-27, $900,000 in 2027-28 and $950,000 in 2028-29. He will be paid $87,500 per season on the American Hockey League (AHL) level and receives signing bonuses totaling $288,000 over the course of the contract, as well as a potential $40,000 games-played bonus.
“William proved he could hold his own playing with men in the SHL last season,” said Tulsky. “We’re excited to support his continued development.”
About William Håkansson:
The Solna, Sweden native recorded two assists in 22 SHL games with Luleå HF in 2025-26, adding nine playoff appearances to help the club reach the SHL semifinals.
Håkansson, 18, also spent part of the 2025-26 season on loan with Almtuna IS in the HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden’s second-tier professional league, totaling four points (2g, 2a) in 16 games.
He has spent the past three seasons in Luleå HF’s system, progressing through the J18, J20 and senior teams, and posting a career-high 22 points (7g, 15a) in 42 games with Luleå HF’s J20 squad in 2024-25.
The 6’4”, 216-pound defenseman helped Sweden capture the gold medal at the 2026 IIHF U20 World Junior Championship, recording two assists in seven games.
The blueliner was selected by the Hurricanes in the second round, 51st overall, of the 2026 NHL Draft.