Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Måns Gudmundsson said he looks up to Detroit Red Wings star Moritz Seider, upon being selected at the 2026 NHL Draft.

Gudmundsson was taken with the No. 76 overall pick by the Maple Leafs. He is a 6-foot-3 defenceman with terrific puck skills, and he could eventually graduate into a possible option on the second-unit power play. Gudmundsson spoke to TSN’s Mark Masters after the draft, about his game, his draft experience, and what lies ahead.

“I like Moritz Seider on Detroit, how he plays with the puck, and his defence. Hard player, and tough to play against.”

Seider has graduated into one of the NHL’s best defencemen, a model of stability, two-way excellence, and durability, never missing a game during each of his five seasons with the Red Wings. Gudmundsson was also asked to describe his own game.

“I’d say I’m a two-way defender. I like to have the puck. I play hard and physical and shut down players.”

It’s been a whirlwind for Gudmundsson, who received a congratulatory call from senior executive advisor to hockey operations, Mats Sundin.

“A big player in my eyes. One of the best Swedish players in the world. I can’t say enough about him,” Gudmundsson said.

Gudmundsson is part of a Maple Leafs’ draft class that drew universal praise from the scouting community. Toronto received an A+ from Daily Faceoff prospect expert Steven Ellis. Gavin McKenna headlines the class, while Gudmundsson joins Alexander Bilecki, Ethan MacKenzie, and Yaroslav Fedoseyev among the defencemen selected by the Maple Leafs over the weekend. It’s an exciting time ahead for the Maple Leafs, and Gudmundsson is now part of a replenished prospect pool, as the franchise navigates two timelines, with some built-in flexibility and optionality.

Here’s what The Nation Network’s Dave Hall wrote about Gudmundsson in his draft grades column: