Connor Bedard went first as expected.
But when the Anaheim Ducks made their pick second in the draft, everyone’s jaws dropped.
Leo Carlsson, 18, became the sixth Swede in history to go top two.
– There was a blackout, says Carlsson.
Before this year’s NHL draft, almost all the talk has been about Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli. Bedard is considered the greatest talent since Connor McDavid, and there was no doubt whatsoever that the Chicago Blackhawks would select him first in this year’s draft. After that, almost everyone expected the Anaheim Ducks, with the second pick, to select Fantilli.
Shocked everyone
Leo Carlsson was predicted by almost all experts to go third, and thus end up in the Columbus Blue Jackets. But when the Anaheim Ducks stepped onto the podium, the hockey world dropped its jaw. Namely, they chose to present Leo Carlsson, 18, from Örebro, SHL. And it is not directly part of the norm that Sweden has a top two choice in the operation.
A few years ago, Rasmus Dahlin became only the second Swedish NHL draftee after Mats Sundin. In addition to that, only three Swedes in history – Henrik Sedan, Victor Hedman and Gabriel Landeskog – have been chosen second. But now Sweden has thus received a sixth player in the exclusive company, in the form of Leo Carlsson, who comes from a season where he sometimes dominated in the SHL, and also got the chance with Tre Kronor.
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Big words
According to the Anaheim Ducks, it was precisely what he showed in the Tre Kronor, and during the World Cup earlier in the spring, that made them choose Carlsson.
– He has enormous potential to become dominant, both forward and backward, says general manager Pat Verbeek, and continues:
– His size, creativity, strength and skill were evident when we saw him play against professionals in Sweden.
Whether Leo Carlsson stays in the SHL for one more season, or takes the step over to the NHL already, is unclear. But it is clear that he was, to say the least, pleased to hear his name on the podium.
– It felt really powerful to hear your name so early. Quite sick actually, says Carlsson to Aftonbladet.
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