Zether split time between Sweden’s Allsvenskan and SHL in 2024-2025. A departure from the previous season that saw him play the majority of his season- 42 games- at the top pro level, he saw only 3 games in the SHL, and 25 with Vasteras of Allsvenskan. Many young players, even those who play a plethora of games, will not light the lamp consistently in the SHL, but his offensive numbers were muted even against the lesser competition. This is not attributable to a failing of Zether per se, rather an indication of the game he plays. Zether is tasked with being a shutdown style, defensive centre. If the 6-3 teenager makes his way to North America, he will be tasked with the important role of a penalty killing forward. Our fantasy teams may not have the need for such archetypes, but NHL teams will covet players like Zether if they show an affinity for stopping opposition offenses. Zether will look to earn more time at the SHL level, and showcase his talents to the Florida Panthers organization in hopes of being extended an ELC in due time. He is not worth rostering in fantasy at this point.

Zether was selected 129th overall by the Florida Panthers.

Zether is the longest tenured SHL player of this year’s group and has done fairly well for himself in consistent bottom 6 minutes. A defensive specialist in his current role, Zether’s game revolves around playing the body, winning puck battles, and abusing his frame to be a general pest. As he gets better at building on the advantages he makes and adds some overall speed to his game, he can find himself doing a similar job in the NHL quite soon. – David Saad