Helge Grans Bio
Helge Grans (born 10 May 2002) is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman who plays for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). A right-shot defender known for his poise with the puck, Grans was selected 35th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Since turning professional in 2019, he has progressed through one of Sweden’s top developmental pipelines before establishing himself as a reliable two-way presence in the AHL.
Standing 191 cm (6 ft 3 in) tall and weighing around 87 kg (192 lb), Grans combines size with mobility, traits that have allowed him to log important minutes at every level he has played. His journey from a small-town Swedish club to the North American professional ranks reflects the steady development of a modern defenceman capable of contributing in all situations.
Early Life and Background
Helge Grans was born on 10 May 2002 in Ljungby, a small town in the Kronoberg region of southern Sweden. The community is best known for IF Troja-Ljungby, a long-standing hockey club that has produced several Swedish professional players over the years. Growing up in this hockey-centric environment gave Grans his earliest exposure to the game and shaped his understanding of the sport from a young age.
Grans began his organized career in the youth system of his hometown club, IF Troja-Ljungby. During the 2016–17 season, he emerged as the most effective defenceman on the club’s Under-16 squad, recording 12 points. The following year, he elevated his production and finished as the team’s leading scorer at the U16 level with 26 points, signalling that he was quickly outgrowing the local development pathway.
Midway through the 2017–18 campaign, Grans made the move from IF Troja-Ljungby to the Malmö Redhawks, one of Sweden’s most respected development programs. The transition to a larger club in a more competitive environment marked the first major step in his progression toward professional hockey.
Path to Hockey
After joining the Malmö Redhawks organization, Grans continued to develop within Sweden’s junior ranks while gradually earning opportunities with the senior team. His performances at the youth level caught the attention of the club’s coaching staff, and on 16 October 2018, at just 16 years of age, he made his first men’s league appearance in the Champions Hockey League (CHL) against EHC Red Bull München.
Grans became a regular contributor for the Malmö Redhawks in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), Sweden’s top professional circuit. He scored his first SHL goal on 30 December 2019 against Brynäs IF, a milestone that confirmed his readiness for consistent top-flight play. His combination of size, skating, and hockey sense made him one of the more promising Swedish defencemen of his draft class.
His development with Malmö ultimately led to his selection 35th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, validating the trajectory he had taken from Ljungby to one of North America’s most storied franchises.
Helge Grans Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Grans’ early professional career was spent primarily with the Malmö Redhawks in the SHL. He split time between the junior program and the senior team, using each appearance to refine his defensive game and offensive instincts. His ability to play a steady, two-way style earned him consistent minutes in Sweden’s top league despite his young age.
Following his draft year and a continued strong development curve in Sweden, Grans attracted the attention of several North American clubs. On 4 June 2021, the Los Angeles Kings signed him to a three-year entry-level contract, officially beginning his transition to the North American game and marking the end of his time with the Malmö Redhawks.
AHL and NHL Breakthrough (2021–Present)
After signing with the Kings, Grans was assigned to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers at that time as part of a shared-development arrangement. He quickly adapted to the smaller North American rink, logging significant minutes as a reliable, all-situations defenceman. His calm puck movement and willingness to join the offensive play helped him stand out among AHL rookies.
On 6 June 2023, Grans was part of a three-team trade involving the Los Angeles Kings, the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Columbus Blue Jackets. The move placed him fully within the Flyers’ organizational depth chart and aligned his long-term path with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He continued to develop into one of the Phantoms’ more trusted blueliners over the following seasons.
On 18 November 2024, Grans received his long-awaited NHL opportunity when he was called up from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. That evening, he made his NHL debut against the Colorado Avalanche, completing a journey that began on the small rinks of Ljungby. He returned to the AHL roster shortly afterward, continuing to refine his game at the top minor-pro level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Grans is recognized as a smooth-skating defenceman with excellent puck-moving ability. His 191 cm frame allows him to win battles along the boards and in front of the net, while his calm decision-making helps his team transition from defence to offence. Coaches have praised his hockey IQ, his ability to read plays at both ends of the rink, and his maturity in high-pressure situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most significant milestones in Grans’ young career are his Champions Hockey League debut at age 16, his first SHL goal in December 2019, his selection 35th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, and his NHL debut against the Colorado Avalanche in November 2024. Each step has reflected a player who has consistently met every challenge placed in front of him.
Helge Grans Career Wins
As a defenceman in the early stages of his professional career, Helge Grans has focused on steady development rather than headline statistics. His progression through the SHL, AHL, and NHL reflects a player whose value is measured in reliability, two-way contributions, and the trust of his coaching staff. Verified individual award totals are not available at this time.
SHL and AHL Highlights
During his time with the Malmö Redhawks, Grans established himself as one of Sweden’s most promising young defencemen, highlighted by his first SHL goal against Brynäs IF in December 2019. With the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, he has served as a steady presence on the back end, contributing in all situations and earning responsibility on both the power play and penalty kill.
Other Wins and Performances
Grans’ international junior experience with Sweden, combined with his Champions Hockey League appearances for Malmö, has provided him with valuable exposure to high-level competition. His consistent development across these stages underlines the foundation that has carried him to the NHL level.
Helge Grans Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Helge Grans grew up in Ljungby, Sweden, where hockey plays a central role in community life. His early development with IF Troja-Ljungby reflects the strong local hockey tradition that has shaped his path to the professional ranks.
Personal Life
Grans focuses the majority of his attention on his professional hockey career, spending his time between Sweden and North America as his team assignments require. Public details about his personal relationships are limited, and he tends to keep his private life out of the public eye.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a pivotal chapter in Helge Grans’ young career. After making his NHL debut in November 2024, he returned to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms with the goal of continuing his growth as an AHL defenceman and positioning himself for further NHL opportunities. Throughout the early portion of the year, he served as a trusted top-four blueliner for the Phantoms, contributing in all situations.
On 29 September 2025, during Philadelphia Flyers training camp, Grans was placed on waivers as the organization assessed its defensive depth. The decision reflected the intense competition for NHL roster spots rather than any setback in his development, and he remained a key part of the Flyers’ broader prospect pipeline.
Looking ahead, Grans’ combination of size, skating, and puck skills continues to make him an intriguing long-term project for the Flyers. Whether contributing at the AHL level or earning another NHL recall, his 2025 campaign offers another opportunity to demonstrate that he belongs at the highest level of professional hockey.