Gulls Grads: Jacob Larsson
Dec 4, 2020SanDiegoGulls.com provides an in depth look at the organization’s young talent that have made an impact on the ice with the Gulls in San Diego and their transition to the Anaheim Ducks. This five-part series highlights Gulls Grads and the development of players through the organization’s ranks to earn a full-time NHL role with the Ducks.
By Andy Zilch/SanDiegoGulls.com
Jacob Larsson waited an exceptionally long time for his first North American season, and even longer for a complete NHL campaign.
The defenseman's first foray into professional hockey began with Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) in his draft year (2014-15). He skated in 20 SHL games, collecting 1-2=3 points, while also playing in the Allsvenskan (Sweden’s second division). He collected 19 points (8G/11A) in 30 games in Sweden’s junior league.
His performance between the two leagues caught the eye of the Ducks, who made the Ljungby, Sweden native their 27th overall selection in the draft.
Larsson took an immediate step forward the following season, becoming mainstay with Frolunda during the 2015-16 season. The defenseman skated in 47 regular-season games, collecting 14 points (5G/9A). He also recorded three assists in 16 postseason games, helping Frolunda to the SHL championship.
Fresh off a championship run, Larsson continued his season in North America, joining San Diego for their 2016 postseason run. The 6-2, 190 lb. Swede made his AHL debut with the Gulls in Game 2 of the Pacific Division Finals on May 7, 2016 vs. Ontario.
Larsson took the next step in his development, beginning his NHL career with Anaheim early in the 2016-17 season. He skated for just under 16 minutes in his debut on Oct. 13, 2016 in Dallas against the Stars. He suited up for four totals game in October before briefly joining the Gulls. Ultimately, the Ducks loaned the defenseman to Frolunda for the remainder of the season.
Larsson made the permanent transition to North America to start the 2017-18 season, picking up 16 points (3G/13A) with a +12 rating in 50 games with the Gulls.
The 2018-19 season marked a turning point in the young pro's career, earning a regular role with the Ducks.
Larsson earned consistent time in the Anaheim lineup, appearing in 49 games with the Ducks. It didn’t take long for the Swede to tally his first NHL point, picking up an assist Nov. 7, 2018 vs. Calgary. Overall, Larsson totaled five assists with the Ducks.He also spent some time during the regular season with San Diego, collecting five assists in 22 games. As the postseason drew near for San Diego, Larsson would get an opportunity to compete in his first playoff action since his days in Sweden.
In a 2019 Calder Cup Playoff run that saw Larsson help San Diego to the Western Conference Finals, the defenseman collected seven points (2G/5A) and a +4 rating in 16 games. He routinely faced the opposition's toughest opposition, and made a statement in his first postseason games. With San Diego trailing by three in its first postseason contest, Larsson collected a goal and assist to spark the team's comeback effort.
The 2019-20 season marked another big step forward for the Swede. He set new career highs in both games played (60) and points (11) with the Ducks. He achieved a milestone every young player imagines, scoring his first career goal against Alex Stalock and the Minnesota Wild on Nov. 5 at Honda Center.
He also appeared in his 100th NHL game, reaching the century mark on February 16 at Vancouver.
“Other than being a goaltender, to be a young player at that position, it’s a tough one,” said Ducks head coach Dallas Eakins when asked about Larsson last season. “He’s a real student of the game. He’s first in to see his shifts. He’s always looking for direction. I think he’s done a really fabulous job of nailing down his position. And it’s an important one.
“The thing I’ve always loved about Lars is he comes in every day with a big smile on his face. He loves to work, he loves to play hockey, he likes being at the rink. And he’s got that level of battle. It’s not like he’s a dirty player. But he is a hard one. It doesn’t matter whose name is on the back. He’s going to compete with everybody equally.”
In total, Larsson compiled 25 points (4G/21A) in 81 AHL games with San Diego. He's earned more experience in the NHL, collecting 16 points (2G/14A) in 113 career games with Anaheim.
This offseason, Larsson signed a two-year contract extension with the Ducks on Aug. 6, 2020, cementing his place with the organization through the 2021-22 NHL season.