Linus Funck (D, R, 6’3″, 187, Lulea HF J20, 05/07/2007)
Linus Funck is a poised, intelligent, and projectable right-shot defenseman who brings a combination of size, puck poise, elite passing efficiency, and defensive reliability to the back end. He logs heavy minutes in all situations for a top J20 program and consistently drives transition play without sacrificing structure in his own end. While his offensive impact remains understated and his shot generation needs improvement, Funck checks many boxes as a modern-day two-way defenseman with middle-pair NHL upside.
Why Linus Funck Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) NHL Frame with Room to Add Strength
Funck stands at 6’3″ and plays close to 19:00 TOI per game, often matched against top lines while logging special teams minutes on both sides (2:34 PP, 1:02 PK). Despite weighing in at just 184 lbs, he uses his length well to maintain body position and control gaps. With continued physical development, this frame projects well to the North American pro game.
2) Elite Puck Management and Retrieval
Few defenders in this draft class move the puck as efficiently as Funck. He completes 91% of his passes (elite), and generates 1 pre-shot pass per game, which is excellent for a defenseman who isn’t running a top power play unit. He consistently wins puck retrievals (2.1 loose puck recoveries, 8 takeaways per game) and initiates possession in transition without panic or overhandling. His decision-making under pressure is a standout trait.
3) Smart, Low-Risk Defender
Defensively, Funck is sound and reads the play extremely well. His 64% puck battle win rate is elite, and he regularly positions himself to break up plays with his stick rather than chasing hits. His 0.59 shot blocks per game reinforce his team-first mindset, and his +1.1 takeaway-to-giveaway ratio (8:4.9) is a great indicator of control and composure under forecheck pressure. He doesn’t chase offense and sacrifices very little defensively.
4) Mature, Predictable Game
Funck isn’t flashy, but he is dependable. He rarely cheats offensively and maintains composure with or without the puck. In terms of projection, he plays a pro-style game already — calm, consistent, and coach-trusted. He’s playing top-pair minutes, and doing so without glaring mistakes or high-event chaos.
Why Linus Funck Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Low Offensive Ceiling
Funck generates just 0.31 Grade ‘A’ scoring chances per game and converts at 2%. His 1.75 shots on goal/game is modest, but his 1.05 shots blocked and 1.05 misses the net per game indicate that he’s not yet finding lanes effectively. For someone with this much ice time, he must improve his deception, shot selection, and velocity. He’s not likely to quarterback a power play or drive offense at the NHL level.
2) Needs to Add Strength and Bite
Despite his size, Funck isn’t yet playing a heavy game. He averages just 0.48 hits per game and is hit more frequently (0.64) than he delivers. At the NHL level, that ratio will need to swing the other way. Adding 20+ pounds of functional strength and learning to use his frame more physically — especially below the dots and in the low slot — is essential to his projection as a middle-pairing transition defender with shutdown potential.
3) Limited Dynamic Tools
Funck wins by thinking the game, not by dynamic skill. He lacks separational power, elite edgework, or a dangerous shot. This could limit his ceiling to a third-pair or low-event 5/6 defender if he doesn’t take strides in puck deception, offensive activation, and mobility. He’s safe, but not special right now.
Projection and NHL Outlook
Projection: Bottom-pair NHL defenseman with second-pair potential in a puck-moving/shutdown hybrid role
Developmental Focus Areas:
Improve shot lane creation, deception and power
Add strength and physical engagement below the dots
Continue developing skating explosiveness and mobility under pressure
Expand play activation in the offensive zone
Draft Grade: Mid 3rd–early 4th Round
Verdict:
Linus Funck is a high-IQ, pro-style defenseman who defends efficiently, moves the puck smartly, and logs top minutes without flash. While his offensive ceiling is limited and he isn’t yet physically assertive, his floor is high — he projects as a low-risk, high-reward pick for teams looking to round out their blueline with calm, dependable defenders. With strength development and modest puck skill growth, he could become a regular NHL contributor.