Florida Panthers prospect scores huge goal in World Juniors semifinals

The clip making the rounds came off Jameson Olive's post, a big moment in a massive spot for Sweden. Eriksson struck against Finland in World Juniors semifinal, the kind of score that changes a bench's body language fast.

If you've only heard his name on draft day, here's the quick refresher. Eriksson is a left-shot center, born March 23, 2006, and Florida grabbed him 58th overall in the second round in 2024.

His pro season has been more about learning than lighting up the sheet. With Timra IK in the SHL, he has two assists through 25 games, playing lower in the lineup while he adjusts to grown-man pace and strength.

As a Panthers fan, you want these «wait, who» prospects to pop in pressure games, because it tells you the moment won't scare them later. It also fits what scouts liked, steady details, smart routes, and enough bite to get inside.

Last year at the U20s, he scored two goals in seven games for Sweden, so there's some history of him arriving when the games tighten up. Before Sunday's semifinal, he had one assist in five games at this tournament, including a helper in the quarterfinal win over Latvia.

The Florida angle is simple, this is how bottom-six NHLers get built. Win a puck on the wall, support low, make the safe play under pressure, then jump to space when a lane opens, and suddenly you're on a highlight reel.

And yes, it matters that he's doing this while his SHL numbers stay modest. That gap between production and impact is where development staffs earn their money, and where fanbases can get pleasantly surprised.

If he keeps stacking these moments, the next milestone is obvious, a bigger role in Sweden, then a real shot to push for NHL games down the road, without anyone rushing the timeline.