2023-05-24 17:28:49
Sweden’s great center Leo Carlsson represents a luxury consolation prize in the upcoming National Hockey League (NHL) draft. In his eyes, he is ready to make an impact on the Bettman circuit next season.
While we’re never safe from a draft upset, Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli should logically join the ranks of the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks, respectively.
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What follows is more complicated. The names of Carlsson, Will Smith and Matvei Michkov are just three of the options available to the Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks and, of course, the Montreal Canadiens, who round out the top 5 in the selection order.
“I thought regarding it a bit,” Carlsson admitted to the NHL website. I thought regarding the needs of the Blue Jackets and those of the Sharks. But I didn’t pay more attention to it than necessary.
Already ripe
At 6’3” and 198 lbs and having played once morest men in the Swedish Premier League for the past two seasons, Carlsson has a background that might allow him to take his first steps in the NHL at 18 years old.
His excellent performance at the IIHF World Championship in the last few days has also given him optimism regarding the possibility of playing in the best hockey league in the world in 2023-2024.
“I have no doubt that I have the confidence to achieve this,” continued Carlsson. I can’t guarantee that will be the case, but I believe I can do it. I still have several steps to go, but I feel good.
Leading a line completed by Detroit Red Wings forwards Lucas Raymond and Jonatan Berggren, Carlsson has three goals and five points in seven games so far. All while being Sweden’s youngest ever player at the IIHF Worlds.
“It’s pretty crazy, I have to admit,” he noted. I haven’t thought regarding it extensively, but that’s fine. It is very significant. It’s a great opportunity and it’s nice to be here.”
In the regular season, with the Orebro club, he amassed 25 points in 44 games in 2022-2023: a campaign now considered one of the best in the history of the Swedish elite league for a player eligible for the draft.
Enough to make Habs fans salivate dreaming of seeing him fall to fifth place.
“I’ve worked so hard all year,” Carlsson said. I am very excited [pour le repêchage].»
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