Just posting some quotes around Fantilli and Carlsson from Tony Ferrari on this year's draft:
Draft Rankings:
2. Adam Fantilli, C, Univ. of Michigan (NCAA), 6-foot-2, 195 pounds
The most complete player in the draft and a legitimate candidate to be a franchise No. 1 center, Fantilli is going closer to Bedard than anyone is admitting publicly. The University of Michigan product blends power, skill and speed, unlike any prospect in the draft class. Fantilli understands the nuances of the defensive game and turns play around as swiftly as anyone. Fantilli drives play so positively at both ends of the ice, using his skating and intelligence to identify the dangerous play and attack the opponents when they are vulnerable. Fantilli is a high-level finisher who can beat you from distance or collect a puck in tight and tuck it behind a netminder. His playmaking is impressive as well, using changes of pace and his frame to create separation to open passing lanes. The Ontario-born center is the only player ever to win a gold medal at the world juniors and World Championship, as well as the Hobey Baker in their draft year. In just about any other draft, Fantilli would have gone first overall going back to 2016. The Anaheim Ducks should be over the moon with the No. 2 pick.
3. Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro (SHL), 6-foot-3, 198 pounds
A natural center who has played on the wing quite a bit this season, Carlsson has a blend of skill and strength that makes him such an interesting prospect. The power in his game isn’t used to blow guys up with big hits; rather, he uses his strength to protect the puck, put defenders on his back and drive to open space. He is a skilled passer who makes plays under pressure and uses the threat of his shot effectively. He possesses a very good shot and gets his chances from in tight, using his puck skill and body to find holes in a netminders positioning. His skating has taken big strides this season. He played with Sweden’s men’s team at the World Championship as the No. 1 center alongside Lucas Raymond and Jonatan Berggren. With three goals and two assists in eight games, Carlsson was the best draft-eligible player at the tournament.
Draft Mailbag
Chris asks: What do you think of Leo Carlsson being the best player from the draft class in five years? I love his intelligence and vision. Do you think he could get there?
I would love to see this happen, but I think it would be a tall task. Connor Bedard is going to be unreal, I think that’s safe to say. He’d have to wildly disappoint. Adam Fantilli could be one of the best No. 2 picks in the last couple of decades and would challenge for first overall in a lot of draft classes. Matvei Michkov’s upside is insane, and he could be an offensive juggernaut.
Leo Carlsson could be a No. 1 center in the NHL and still be the fourth-best player in the draft class. That’s how good the top end of this group is. With that said, Carlsson has a fantastic toolset, and it wouldn’t shock me if he was the second-best player in the class. At the moment, I'm ranking Bedard first, then Fantilli, Michkov and Carlsson in order.
Union and Blue ask: For Columbus, which center projects higher - Leo Carlsson or Will Smith?
For me, Leo Carlsson is ahead here. He’s a safer player, a more projectable center, and his production upside is as high or higher. Will Smith is flashier, more entertaining to watch and could be a dynamic presence that Columbus hasn’t really had since Artemi Panarin, but you’ve got Kent Johnson for that. The other factor here is there is a reality in which Smith winds up on the wing. I take Carlsson regardless of the position you see these guys playing, but especially if you’re looking for a center.