All articles tagged with #leo carlsson
Corey Pronman’s midseason ranking of NHL players and prospects 22 and under (as of Jan. 1, 2026) places Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard atop the list, with Leo Carlsson a close third. The rankings are split into tiers and use tool grades to project long‑term NHL impact, covering a broad mix of young players across teams and positions.
Leo Carlsson made his NHL debut for the Anaheim Ducks, scoring his first NHL goal in a 3-2 loss to the Dallas Stars. Despite falling short of being the best player on the ice, Carlsson impressed with his visibility and offensive contributions. He showcased chemistry with linemates Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras, but will need to work on faceoffs. Carlsson's defensive acumen and ability to seize offensive opportunities were also notable. The Ducks plan to manage his games carefully to avoid burnout.
The Anaheim Ducks surprised everyone by selecting Leo Carlsson with the second overall pick in the NHL Draft, allowing Adam Fantilli to drop to third and be picked up by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Both players had impressive seasons, with Carlsson being named the Swedish junior player of the year and Fantilli winning the Hobey Baker Award. While Carlsson admitted he didn't expect to go second overall, both players are expected to make significant contributions to their respective teams in the future.
The Chicago Blackhawks selected Connor Bedard as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Leo Carlsson was chosen by the Anaheim Ducks at No. 2, while Matvei Michkov went to the Philadelphia Flyers at No. 7. Carlsson is a skilled center with great size and playmaking abilities, while Michkov is considered a fascinating prospect with special offensive skills and hockey sense. The Ducks passed on selecting Adam Fantilli, opting for Carlsson's higher upside. The Flyers are willing to wait for Michkov, who is currently under contract in the KHL, as they see his potential as a game-breaking elite scoring winger.
The Columbus Blue Jackets surprised many by selecting center Adam Fantilli with the third pick in the NHL draft, after the Anaheim Ducks passed on him. Fantilli, a standout player from Michigan, had an impressive freshman year and has won gold medals at the world junior championship and men's world championship. The Blue Jackets, who have struggled in previous drafts, consider Fantilli's selection a stroke of luck and hope to have found their future No. 1 center. Fantilli is open to either joining the team this year or playing another season at Michigan.
The Anaheim Ducks have selected center Leo Carlsson as the second overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Carlsson, a highly skilled player with impressive hockey IQ, was named the Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year and recorded the most points and assists by a junior player in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Standing at 6-2 and weighing 194 pounds, Carlsson has shown great potential and is expected to contribute to the Ducks' long-term plan of building a strong team.
The 2023 NHL draft is set to begin, with Connor Bedard being the standout prospect. Bedard, who was granted exceptional status to enter the Canadian Hockey League at age 15, is known for his goal-scoring ability and offensive skills. Other top prospects include Adam Fantilli, Matvei Michkov, Leo Carlsson, and Will Smith, each bringing their own strengths and potential to the table.
Scott Wheeler has released his final top 100 ranking for the 2023 NHL Draft, which includes a quintet of star forward prospects led by Regina's Connor Bedard, Michigan's Adam Fantilli, Russia's Matvei Michkov, Örebro's Leo Carlsson, and the NTDP's Will Smith. The ranking is divided into six tiers, with Bedard in Tier 1, Michkov in Tier 2, and Carlsson in Tier 3. The draft class is considered to be deeper than average and includes high-end defense prospects and goalies.
Experts predict that the San Jose Sharks will choose either Will Smith or Leo Carlsson as their fourth-overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, with five votes for Smith and four for Carlsson. Smith is described as a game-breaking talent with a scoring threat and speed, while Carlsson is praised for his size and skill combination and ability to manage the puck.