NY Rangers Take a Swing on Intriguing Norwegian Center at No. 111 Overall in 2025 NHL Draft…see more…
With the 111th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Draft, the New York Rangers made an unexpected yet intriguing move by selecting Norwegian center Mikkel Aasheim, a 6-foot-1 playmaker with raw talent and strong upside. The pick, made early on Day 2 of the draft, reflects the Rangers’ continued strategy of seeking under-the-radar prospects with high developmental ceilings.
Aasheim, 18, hails from Oslo and spent the past season playing for Mora IK’s junior team in Sweden’s J20 Nationell league. Despite flying under the radar for much of the scouting season, the skilled pivot earned attention from NHL scouts in the latter half of the year thanks to his excellent hockey sense, faceoff acumen, and flashes of playmaking creativity.
Rangers Bet on International Upside
The selection of Aasheim continues a trend by Rangers General Manager Chris Drury and Director of Scouting John Lilley to look beyond the traditional North American prospect pool. Last year, the Rangers drafted Swedish forward Leo Sandsten and Czech goalie Jakub Zeman in the middle rounds — picks now seen as long-term projects with potential NHL impact.
“Mikkel is a player we feel has been under-scouted and undervalued,” said Lilley in a media scrum following the pick. “He’s smart, responsible, and just beginning to scratch the surface of what he can do. Our European scouts were very high on him. He thinks the game at a high level and shows a willingness to do the little things right.”
Though not a high-profile name, Aasheim stood out in interviews and private evaluations. According to Lilley, the Rangers met with him twice during the draft process and were impressed by his maturity and understanding of the game.
“He’s very self-aware and coachable. The kind of kid who asks the right questions and watches a lot of NHL film,” Lilley said. “He models his game after Elias Lindholm — strong two-way play, good vision, responsible in all three zones.”
Aasheim’s Rise from Oslo to NHL Draft Boards
Born and raised in Norway, Aasheim developed in the Vålerenga hockey program before moving to Sweden to challenge himself against stronger competition. He posted 38 points in 43 games this season with Mora IK’s U20 team, including a strong playoff performance that elevated his draft stock.
“It’s a dream come true,” Aasheim said via Zoom from Sweden after learning of his selection. “To hear my name called by a team like the Rangers — it’s unreal. I’ve worked hard to get to this point and I’m ready to keep improving.”
When asked about what kind of player Rangers fans can expect, Aasheim said: “I like to be a two-way center, help out defensively and create plays offensively. I want to be reliable, to earn trust.”
Scouts describe Aasheim as a cerebral player with soft hands and an excellent motor. While his skating remains an area for development, particularly his first-step acceleration, many view his hockey IQ as a strong foundation to build upon.
“He’s one of those guys who always seems to be in the right place,” said one European scout who asked to remain anonymous. “If he adds strength and improves his burst, he could be a very useful NHL player.”
What the Rangers Are Getting
At 6-foot-1 and around 180 pounds, Aasheim has room to grow physically. His offensive numbers don’t jump off the page, but his advanced metrics show a positive trend. He led Mora IK in puck possession time and had one of the top faceoff win percentages in the league among draft-eligible centers.
The Rangers believe that with the right development path, Aasheim could project as a bottom-six center with penalty-kill and faceoff responsibilities — traits increasingly valued in a cap-conscious league.
“He won’t be rushed,” Drury said. “We’re happy to let him continue to develop overseas. He’s got some strong fundamentals and we want him to refine his game and gain confidence.”
Aasheim is expected to stay in Sweden for at least one more season, possibly earning a call-up to the Allsvenskan or SHL level depending on his progress.
Norway’s Growing Presence in the NHL
Though Norway is not traditionally a hockey powerhouse, Aasheim’s selection marks a growing trend of Norwegian players making their way into the NHL draft. He becomes the first Norwegian selected since Stian Solberg was taken by the Anaheim Ducks in 2023.
Aasheim’s rise adds to Norway’s slowly expanding footprint on the global hockey map. Currently, only a handful of Norwegians play in the NHL, including Mats Zuccarello — himself a former Ranger and one of Norway’s greatest hockey exports.
“It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of guys like Zuccarello,” Aasheim said. “He’s been an inspiration for so many of us. I want to do my part to help grow the game back home.”
Fan Reactions and Draft Strategy Context
Reactions from Rangers fans online ranged from curious optimism to excitement over the team’s continued international scouting efforts.
“I hadn’t heard of Aasheim before today,” wrote one fan on Reddit’s r/rangers. “But from what I’m reading, this could be one of those smart long-term picks that pays off in a few years.”
Analysts also praised the pick as an example of value hunting in the fourth round.
“The Rangers are showing real sophistication with these kinds of selections,” said Sportsnet draft analyst Sam Cosentino. “They’re trusting their European scouts and taking bets on players with room to grow.”
With their earlier picks focused on North American skaters, including their first-round selection of Malcolm Spence, the Rangers balanced the draft with international flavor. Spence, a Canadian forward, is expected to attend training camp this fall, while Aasheim will continue honing his game in Sweden.
Looking Ahead
Though Aasheim is far from NHL-ready, the Rangers believe he has the foundation and mindset to eventually earn a shot. In a league that rewards depth, cost-controlled talent, and strong two-way play, players like Aasheim — even drafted at No. 111 — can become crucial contributors.
“I’m just excited to get started,” Aasheim said. “I know it’s a long road, but I’m ready to work.”
For a Rangers team looking to maintain competitiveness while managing the salary cap, this pick could prove to be more than just a swing — it might be a home run in the making.
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