SpezDispenser
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- Aug 15, 2007
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That sounds about right, yeah. These four could shift positions over the next few year, but by theory it sounds airtight.
Erik Karlsson
- Thread starter 2Min4HoldingDaStick
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That sounds about right, yeah. These four could shift positions over the next few year, but by theory it sounds airtight.
Yeah thats fair.
Using the word potential loosely as all 3 of the other guys you suggested all have that potential as well. The difference is in Larsson and OELs cases weve yet to see if they will transfer over (not like I have much doubt though), and Hedmans potential may be the greatest at the end of the day with his size.
I think Karlsson and OEL situations could be compared pretty closely. Similar size questions but both skilled enough to make the scouts forget about their size. Although there may have been more questions about Karlssons defensive ability, I think his development this season has shown doubters that he may well be a force on the defensive side as well, especially in 3-4 years plus.
Regardless with prospects like that coming into the league just making the Swedish defence will be a task worth comparing to making Canada's defence.
This.
A long career as a borderline #1 or 2 defenseman is nothing to sneeze at. He needs to add a more physical element to his game to be anything more. His size is an issue, but if he continues to add weight without losing his speed he'll be fine.
His skating, decision making, and passing are all strengths. He's got a hard accurate shot, but it's not a "big boomer". If he develops he will provide good offensive support at even strength and play a role on your first PP unit.
He's never going to move people out of the crease on the powerplay, but he can carry the puck up the ice and do some decent breakout passes along the boards he'll be an asset to any team.
Sting
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- Feb 8, 2004
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I honestly don't see him settling in as a #2 or #3 defenseman. I don't see any comparison to Kaberle, they play entirely different games. Watch the two play side by side, there really isn't any similarity. I'm wondering where these comparisons even come from because I've watched every Karlsson game this season.
His shot is already the best one the Senators have from their defense. I'd be surprised if he wasn't the fastest player on the team, or very close to fisher/donovan. His passing is remarkable. The only thing he has to worry about, as has been stated before, is size. But there are many #1 defensemen who have gotten by without size. And yeah, I honestly believe he'll be a #1 and an all-star in this league. I've seen many young players develop and many who haven't, and this guy has it.
His shot is already the best one the Senators have from their defense. I'd be surprised if he wasn't the fastest player on the team, or very close to fisher/donovan. His passing is remarkable. The only thing he has to worry about, as has been stated before, is size. But there are many #1 defensemen who have gotten by without size. And yeah, I honestly believe he'll be a #1 and an all-star in this league. I've seen many young players develop and many who haven't, and this guy has it.
According to Ian Mendes:
"Reporters from Edm & Cgy were blown away by Karlsson after seeing him play. They couldn't believe the 19-year-old is that good already."
I didn't think he played all that well against Calgary, but I'm happy to see him get some recognition.
"Reporters from Edm & Cgy were blown away by Karlsson after seeing him play. They couldn't believe the 19-year-old is that good already."
I didn't think he played all that well against Calgary, but I'm happy to see him get some recognition.
Too small right now. Hes arguably been our number 1 lately. For 23-24 minutes a game his size doesnt appear to be an issue, and hes not gonna be 165 pounds forever.
No you just fail to understand that for obvious reasons Chris Phillips and Anton Volchenkov are not number 1 dmen. Being number 1 on D in Ottawa doesnt mean your elite. Its an accomplsihment at 19 regardles.
I'd disagree with that. His size doesn't preclude him from being a dominant defenseman because it's not a huge component in his game. If you factor in his Hockey IQ, his Speed and Agility... he's already using those abilities to play exceptionally well at this level.
He's got a shiftiness and poise about him that literally gives him all sorts of space on the breakout. He can either deliver a perfect breakout pass, or skate through 2-3 defenders and gain entry into the zone himself. Players have already recognized this and don't challenge him very often.
If you examine what he's already capable of at this level, and what his overall potential is, the sky is the limit. The only player I've seen today that can do some of the things that Karlsson does is Doughty.
There's a difference between franchise/dominant defenseman and a solid number 1 defenseman on a good team. Karlsson could certainly fit the bill of the latter, his smoothness and poise could be quite the shock if you were to just learn he is 19 years of age.
SilverSeven
Registered User
People saying he cant be a #1 havent seem him play. Its amazing how he is significantly better from week to week. The sky is the limit for this kid right now.
Spence334
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- Dec 23, 2008
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Your pretty bang on. People that say he can't be a #1 D haven't seen him play yet. He's progressing very quickly and showing a lot of poise. His last 20 or so games have been amazing.
masterandy
Registered User
I will take your bet and run..I wonder if you actually watch the games instead of statistics
Ottawa secretly have a blue-chipper of their own in Karlsson, but a lot of fans don't know about it.
I see him becoming in the next wave of top defensemen for each teams. He'll be Ottawa's PPQB and best overall defenseman for a long period of time.
In the Ottawa - Toronto game, I noticed that whenever he was on the ice he created chances for his team mates.
It was rumored Burke wanted him before Murray drafted up and got him. Deja vu in this draft, though.
I see him becoming in the next wave of top defensemen for each teams. He'll be Ottawa's PPQB and best overall defenseman for a long period of time.
In the Ottawa - Toronto game, I noticed that whenever he was on the ice he created chances for his team mates.
It was rumored Burke wanted him before Murray drafted up and got him. Deja vu in this draft, though.
weems
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- Jul 3, 2008
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His skillset is so similar to what Zubov's was. He just glides with the puck and already QB's a powerplay nicely as a rookie. This was quite the snag by Murray in the middle picks. I'd personally rather have him going forward then Schenn. Defenders that can skate, move the puck and QB a powerplay are going to be priceless in the new NHL. His offensive skills look every bit as impressive as Mike Greens.
SpezDispenser
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- Aug 15, 2007
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He's 19...can you imagine when he's 25? One of the very best offensive D-men with an amazing hockey IQ. Soon he'll take his rightful place amongst the best young D-men in the game.
Ainec
Panetta was not racist
- Jun 20, 2009
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I've seen Karlsson play for atleast 5-6 games including the Flames game last night, I will also be watching the Ottawa - Canucks game tomorrow, being a Canucks fan
I can honestly say that he will be a #1 defenseman and it won't be because of "low standards" for Ottawa, if Kimmo Timonen (was) the best defenseman since Pronger on the Flyers then I have no problem saying Karlsson will be Ottawa's best overall defense and there main go to guy besides Alfredsson or Spezza.
He is amazing, it's a real treat watching him play. I admit in the beginning of the season when I saw Karlsson on the ice I did feel like he was a liability and cringe when he has the puck along the boards. But it's quite simple, he controls the flow of a game, you can really tell, when he's on the ice he just absolutely controls the flow and make smart decisions, and he's only 19!
He's 5'11, pretty close to 6'0, I'm pretty sure he could grow a bit more and a couple years down the road he will be one of the leagues top defenseman. I have no problem saying that he could, one day be as good as Keith or similar to Neidermeyer, because his potential is sky high
I can honestly say that he will be a #1 defenseman and it won't be because of "low standards" for Ottawa, if Kimmo Timonen (was) the best defenseman since Pronger on the Flyers then I have no problem saying Karlsson will be Ottawa's best overall defense and there main go to guy besides Alfredsson or Spezza.
He is amazing, it's a real treat watching him play. I admit in the beginning of the season when I saw Karlsson on the ice I did feel like he was a liability and cringe when he has the puck along the boards. But it's quite simple, he controls the flow of a game, you can really tell, when he's on the ice he just absolutely controls the flow and make smart decisions, and he's only 19!
He's 5'11, pretty close to 6'0, I'm pretty sure he could grow a bit more and a couple years down the road he will be one of the leagues top defenseman. I have no problem saying that he could, one day be as good as Keith or similar to Neidermeyer, because his potential is sky high
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FolignoQuantumLeap
Don't Hold The Door
I don't understand why people are claiming he can't be a #1, and that's not taking into consideration that he is easily Ottawa's #2 at 19. Andrei Markov is about the same size and is one of the top 10 D in the entire world. Karlsson only needs to put on about 15 or so pounds to get there. Markov doesn't even have the elite skating that Karlsson currently posses. The best comparison for Karlsson is Scotty Neidermayer. He's essentially a right shot version of Neids.
In the Ottawa - Toronto game, I noticed that whenever he was on the ice he created chances for his team mates.
It was rumored Burke wanted him before Murray drafted up and got him. Deja vu in this draft, though.
When ever hes on the ice we seem to be on offence lately. He controls the flow of the game and hes got a huge aura about him on the ice unusual for a kid under 20 especially one too small by NHL standards.
Their were many reasons Ottawa went on that run through Jan and Feb but the emergence of Erik Karlsson as a borderline top pairing defencemen following his stint in the press box over Christmas was a big acquisition Ottawa made for which they paid nothing for.
I expect he'll no longer be a secret around the league come playoff time, Ottawa will be counting on him heavily like they have been recently.
Its reassuring hearing something like that from a fan outside of the Sens. He's my favourite player to watch in Ottawa now. He could skate on butter.
He may end up being the most talented skating defencemen in hockey at some point...
Well I'm going to go with what one of the best judges of talent in the world said, Hakan Andersson: He was the best European taken in that draft.
So I would say it's pretty high.
So I would say it's pretty high.
