C Leo Carlsson (2023, 2nd, ANA)

[Rabid Ranger]

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Smith plays like neither of them.

Carlsson is a every Gm’s dream prospect

I think Hughes and Smith definately have some similarities.

 

[rahad]

And Nikita Kucherov has 2 cups and one of the most prolific playoff scorer ever. Neither players are bigger/taller than Marner.

And Stamkos/Point weren't exactly big guys either by NHL standards

*Not arguing Smith over Carlsson, but just saying - you don't need to be 6'4 to be a key cog in winning Cups.

LOL. Both Patrick kane and Kucherov don't play like Marner in the playoff. They don't run away from hit and are not afraid to go in the corner. Just because they are similar in size don't mean they play the same way.

 

[BB88]

And Nikita Kucherov has 2 cups and one of the most prolific playoff scorer ever. Neither players are bigger/taller than Marner.

And Stamkos/Point weren't exactly big guys either by NHL standards

*Not arguing Smith over Carlsson, but just saying - you don't need to be 6'4 to be a key cog in winning Cups.

& again none of them play like Smith.

I think Hughes and Smith definately have some similarities.

Hughes skating is on a whole different level to Smiths, that gives him a massive edge to NHL

 

[abo9]

LOL. Both Patrick kane and Kucherov don't play like Marner in the playoff. They don't run away from hit and are not afraid to go in the corner. Just because they are similar in size don't mean they play the same way.

My bad, I've mixed "Marner type" with build, not play style.

That makes more sense

 

[Boxscore]

you don't need to be 6'4 to be a key cog in winning Cups.

Of course not, but when two players have similar skills and instincts, I'll take the player who will top out at 6-4, 225, with a clear strength and reach advantage. Especially when the bigger kid just showed how he could be a dominant player vs. grown, seasoned men in a top league.

Outside of Bedard (we all knew how great he was), Leo Carlsson impresses me more than any other prospect in the draft, including Fantilli and Michkov. I'm not saying he will absolutely end up better than them when it is all said and done, but his skills, passing, hockey mind, instincts, and size are extremely impressive. Fantilli may be a bit more dynamic but I believe Carlsson has the "it factor" more than anyone in the draft not named Bedard.

If you want a player who could make an impact like Kopitar, Barkov, or if all the stars align, Mats Sundin, you take Carlsson. His floor is that of an excellent 2nd line center and offensive driver. His upside is an elite, franchise cornerstone up the middle.

 

[teravaineSAROS]

Of course not, but when two players have similar skills and instincts, I'll take the player who will top out at 6-4, 225, with a clear strength and reach advantage. Especially when the bigger kid just showed how he could be a dominant player vs. grown, seasoned men in a top league.

Outside of Bedard (we all knew how great he was), Leo Carlsson impresses me more than any other prospect in the draft, including Fantilli and Michkov. I'm not saying he will absolutely end up better than them when it is all said and done, but his skills, passing, hockey mind, instincts, and size are extremely impressive. Fantilli may be a bit more dynamic but I believe Carlsson has the "it factor" more than anyone in the draft not named Bedard.

If you want a player who could make an impact like Kopitar, Barkov, or if all the stars align, Mats Sundin, you take Carlsson. His floor is that of an excellent 2nd line center and offensive driver. His upside is an elite, franchise cornerstone up the middle.

Exactly! Carlsson could have a scoring slump in the playoffs and still have a positive impact in terms of defense and possession. Will Smith will have to produce in order to help you win games and the wear & tear of the playoffs is no joke.

Columbus already has Kent Johnson and Gaudreau, so I especially don't see them winning a cup by adding Smith.

Sundin was definitely not a tier above Kopitar/Barkov though.

 

[Boxscore]

Sundin was definitely not a tier above Kopitar/Barkov though.

Not sure about that. Sundin scored over a PPG for his career (over 1,300 points) and is in the Hall of Fame. He also did that during the dead puck area where points were harder to get and talented players were being smothered, clutched, and grabbed all game long.

Sundin's totals also include his late-30s down years. Kopitar nor Barkov are at a career PPG now and they...

1. Are/were younger than Sundin and should be pacing ahead.

2. Play in an era where it's easier to put up points.

3. Have more talent around them than Sundin did during those years in Toronto where he carried the Leafs on his back.

Sundin was also more feisty and mean than those other guys. That said, both of them are in the Sundin mold and are each even better than him defensively. If Carlsson could end up like any of them, it'll be a massive win for the Jackets (or whichever team drafts him).

 

[Breakfast of Champs]

Not sure about that. Sundin scored over a PPG for his career (over 1,300 points) and is in the Hall of Fame. He also did that during the dead puck area where points were harder to get and talented players were being smothered, clutched, and grabbed all game long.

Sundin's totals also include his late-30s down years. Kopitar nor Barkov are at a career PPG now and they...

1. Are/were younger than Sundin and should be pacing ahead.

2. Play in an era where it's easier to put up points.

3. Have more talent around them than Sundin did during those years in Toronto where he carried the Leafs on his back.

Sundin was also more feisty and mean than those other guys. That said, both of them are in the Sundin mold and are each even better than him defensively. If Carlsson could end up like any of them, it'll be a massive win for the Jackets (or whichever team drafts him).

Kopitar is in the Sundin tier - he has 1100+ pts in under 1300 gp and is a multi time selke winner, he's been a hart finalist, and he's also been the #1C on a 2X cup winning team where he was their top scorer both times (tied once with Williams). He doesn't have a CS but he played like a true dominant #1C both times. Kopitar also played a large portion of his career in slower scoring league. Sundin was definitely great, but the fact he has 0 cups, no hardware, and the production gap isn't even that big, most part its made up by playing the defensive style that won him multiple selke trophies.

Barkov I will give not not so much in talent just more accolades and longevity. Barkov could reach those 2 guys' tier with good health.

I'm not sure Carlson has that much talent, but he could be some version of what they are still, even if it's to a lesser degree. I think CBJ is almost certainly going to take him.

 

[BoHorvat 53]

According to Pronman, half the the league thinks Carlsson goes 2 and the other half thinks it's Fantilli at 2 and that there isn't a ton of clarity which way it'll go. Going to be interesting to see where he actually does end up, but it does appear that the door for him to go #2 is open still

 

[Shroud of Orrin]

Sometimes a player comes along with god-given tools and the end result looks obvious. Carlsson is one of those players where you see the frame, talent and IQ on display immediately. No need to iron anything out, just improve on what you already have and know. They may bake him for a year, but that’s it.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Anaheim decides to pick him, even if Fantilli appears to be able to more likely combat 16 playoff wins. It’s entirely subjective, like comparing Malkin and Tavares.

This draft looks to be one that will impact the league for a long time and is great testimony for the positive health of hockey everywhere.

 

[teravaineSAROS]

Not sure about that. Sundin scored over a PPG for his career (over 1,300 points) and is in the Hall of Fame. He also did that during the dead puck area where points were harder to get and talented players were being smothered, clutched, and grabbed all game long.

Sundin's totals also include his late-30s down years. Kopitar nor Barkov are at a career PPG now and they...

1. Are/were younger than Sundin and should be pacing ahead.

2. Play in an era where it's easier to put up points.

3. Have more talent around them than Sundin did during those years in Toronto where he carried the Leafs on his back.

Sundin was also more feisty and mean than those other guys. That said, both of them are in the Sundin mold and are each even better than him defensively. If Carlsson could end up like any of them, it'll be a massive win for the Jackets (or whichever team drafts him).

I'm not saying you can't argue he was better, it just sounded like you put him on a tier or two above them which I don't think is true.

Sundin was a top 5 scorer once in his career (obviously his teammates didn't help him) and the highest he's placed in Hart voting is 8th compared to Kopitar who was a Hart finalist and a Selke calibre player.

I personally think Kopitar's is/was very underrated and IF Carlsson ends up on Kopitars (or Sundins) level he's going to be one of the best forwards in the game.

 

[Dion TheFluff]

Not sure if this guy's credible at all but

 

[JTeller97]

Not sure if this guy's credible at all but

I'd give him a B- as far as credibility, typically has Kings scoops. I'd be beyond shocked if the Ducks don't take Fantili.

 

[Fatass]

I'd give him a B- as far as credibility, typically has Kings scoops. I'd be beyond shocked if the Ducks don't take Fantili.

Agreed. The first four a seemingly a lock. It’s at 5 where the draft will open up. Carlsson will go in that first four for sure.

 

[tomd]

I'd give him a B- as far as credibility, typically has Kings scoops. I'd be beyond shocked if the Ducks don't take Fantili.

He has gotten some minor stuff like RFA/UFA resignings but even for LA he has been wrong many times.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Sometimes a player comes along with god-given tools and the end result looks obvious. Carlsson is one of those players where you see the frame, talent and IQ on display immediately. No need to iron anything out, just improve on what you already have and know. They may bake him for a year, but that’s it.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Anaheim decides to pick him, even if Fantilli appears to be able to more likely combat 16 playoff wins. It’s entirely subjective, like comparing Malkin and Tavares.

This draft looks to be one that will impact the league for a long time and is great testimony for the positive health of hockey everywhere.

I mean there's really nothing subjective about saying Malkin >> Tavares. He's quite clearly had the better career.

 

[Shroud of Orrin]

I mean there's really nothing subjective about saying Malkin >> Tavares. He's quite clearly had the better career.

You’ll get no argument from me. People like and dislike players for different reasons regardless of cups and hardware. And speaking of that, there’s very little I dislike about Carlsson.

 

[ViD]

I'd give him a B- as far as credibility, typically has Kings scoops. I'd be beyond shocked if the Ducks don't take Fantili.

If @EdJovanovski is right, Fantilli is on the course of being a bust following the suit of Laf and Wright - looking much older than what he is on draft day

 

[Boxscore]

Sometimes a player comes along with god-given tools and the end result looks obvious. Carlsson is one of those players where you see the frame, talent and IQ on display immediately. No need to iron anything out, just improve on what you already have and know. They may bake him for a year, but that’s it.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Anaheim decides to pick him, even if Fantilli appears to be able to more likely combat 16 playoff wins. It’s entirely subjective, like comparing Malkin and Tavares.

This draft looks to be one that will impact the league for a long time and is great testimony for the positive health of hockey everywhere.

I agree. Unless Carlsson completely gets ruined by stardom, injury, or money, his game looks virtually bust-proof. He has the size, talent, IQ, and defensive acumen to excel in the NHL. Absolute worst case scenario he'll be a good version of Kevin Hayes. Absolute best case, Evgeni Malkin. If you consider the likely case, it's Aleksander Barkov or a bigger Nick Backstrom.

I'm not saying that he'll be better than Fantilli but I think there's less risk of him busting. Outside of Bedard, I think Carlsson is the biggest sure thing in the draft.

 

[Shroud of Orrin]

One thing I have learned. Swedes are some of the most mature and level headed prospects produced anywhere. Countless examples. They are not easily corrupted, rarely outright fail and generally avoid controversy. If that history holds true with this cat you can easily see a franchise player comin’ down the line…

 

[Boxscore]

One thing I have learned. Swedes are some of the most mature and level headed prospects produced anywhere. Countless examples. They are not easily corrupted, rarely outright fail and generally avoid controversy. If that history holds true with this cat you can easily see a franchise player comin’ down the line…

Agree 100%. Who was the last Swedish player to completely bust after being drafted extremely high, say in the Top 10?

2022: Marco Kasper -- too early to tell but looks like a good one.

2021: Simon Edvinsson and William Eklund -- both look awesome and should be impact players.

2020: Lucas Raymond and Alex Holtz -- Raymond is a stud. The jury is still out on Holtz, who is taking a bit longer to make his mark, but I wouldn't consider him a bust right now.

2019: Philip Broberg -- the clock is ticking. He needs to take the next step this coming season imho.

2018: Rasmus Dahlin and Adam Boqvist -- Dahlin is elite and lived up to his massive hype. Boqvist is a very good player.

We can go through the years, but it seems as if many of the highly regarded Swedes who are chosen high, ultimately pan out -- Pettersson, Backstrom, the Sedins, Forsberg, Sundin, etc. And they are all usually beloved as a teammates and coaches cherish and trust them. The fact that there's serious talk of Carlsson going 2nd in a draft that includes Michkov, Fantilli, and Smith is saying something.

 

[TheGreenTBer]

The Carlsson type have reached the stanley cup and have won the cups. I don't see Marner type of player winning the stanley cup. They will be great in the season.

Marner type players can win, it's Marner himself that isn't willing or able to take his game to the next level.

 

[ViD]

Agree 100%. Who was the last Swedish player to completely bust after being drafted extremely high, say in the Top 10?

2022: Marco Kasper -- too early to tell but looks like a good one.

2021: Simon Edvinsson and William Eklund -- both look awesome and should be impact players.

2020: Lucas Raymond and Alex Holtz -- Raymond is a stud. The jury is still out on Holtz, who is taking a bit longer to make his mark, but I wouldn't consider him a bust right now.

2019: Philip Broberg -- the clock is ticking. He needs to take the next step this coming season imho.

2018: Rasmus Dahlin and Adam Boqvist -- Dahlin is elite and lived up to his massive hype. Boqvist is a very good player.

We can go through the years, but it seems as if many of the highly regarded Swedes who are chosen high, ultimately pan out -- Pettersson, Backstrom, the Sedins, Forsberg, Sundin, etc. And they are all usually beloved as a teammates and coaches cherish and trust them. The fact that there's serious talk of Carlsson going 2nd in a draft that includes Michkov, Fantilli, and Smith is saying something.

Out of all these guys, Dahlin is the only stud here. Even Raymond had a very underwhelming year.

 

[norrisnick]

Agree 100%. Who was the last Swedish player to completely bust after being drafted extremely high, say in the Top 10?

2022: Marco Kasper -- too early to tell but looks like a good one.

2021: Simon Edvinsson and William Eklund -- both look awesome and should be impact players.

2020: Lucas Raymond and Alex Holtz -- Raymond is a stud. The jury is still out on Holtz, who is taking a bit longer to make his mark, but I wouldn't consider him a bust right now.

2019: Philip Broberg -- the clock is ticking. He needs to take the next step this coming season imho.

2018: Rasmus Dahlin and Adam Boqvist -- Dahlin is elite and lived up to his massive hype. Boqvist is a very good player.

We can go through the years, but it seems as if many of the highly regarded Swedes who are chosen high, ultimately pan out -- Pettersson, Backstrom, the Sedins, Forsberg, Sundin, etc. And they are all usually beloved as a teammates and coaches cherish and trust them. The fact that there's serious talk of Carlsson going 2nd in a draft that includes Michkov, Fantilli, and Smith is saying something.

Kasper is only an honorary Swede. He's Austrian.

 

[KaseMeOutside]

Not sure if this guy's credible at all but

He is credible, more of a kings guys but does get ducks stuff too