NHL Future Watch: Leo Carlsson Hockey Cards, Anaheim Ducks – Leo Carlsson was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks with the second overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The big Swede went a slot earlier than I thought he would. That choice by Anaheim turned out to be a good one.
At 6’3” and around 200 pounds, he has a chance to be an all-star center or wing. He first starred at Farjestad BK. In 2019-20, he was with the U16 team. It was during the pandemic so his 19 points in 17 games and a staggering 11 points in just three playoff games was impressive. Things didn’t get better in the sense of playing more games.
In 2020-21, staying in Sweden, Carlsson got into another 19 games scoring nine points with the J20 team. So, he was playing up in age.
In 2021-22, he played for Orebro HK in the SHL. He had nine points in 35 games. That’s a solid season playing against older professionals.
In 2022-23, his second year in Orebro, he had ten goals and 15 assists in 45 games. That was better but it wasn’t enough to place him in the second overall spot. What got scouts going was his playoffs. He had nine points in 13 games. Then suddenly there was a lot of discussion.
In 2023-24, Carlsson impressed the Ducks brass right out of training camp. He looked good in the preseason games. They decided to keep him with the big club but limit his games. He could rest and watch from the press box, so he wouldn’t get overwhelmed. That can happen to a 19-year-old in his first NHL season. In his first 40 games, he had nine goals and 14 assists with only 12 PIMS. That shows the maturity in his game by not taking bad penalties. He is a must collect.
NHL Future Watch: Leo Carlsson Cards Worth Collecting
Carlsson’s best card is his 2023-24 Upper Deck Series 2 Young Guns Rookie. The action photo shows him skating in his Ducks black sweater. It’s a great card of his future star.
Another card is his 2023-24 Upper Deck Young Guns Silver Outburst Rookie. It’s a great tech card and it’s very shimmery. Collectors will love this one and it’s rare, so it needs to be chased.
One last card is his 2023-24 O-Pee-Chee Marquee Rookie. It’s fun to see the reaction on his face in the photo.
NHL Future Watch: Leo Carlsson Hockey Cards, Anaheim Ducks – Stats
Statistical image generated on Sports Reference 03/18/2024.
NHL Future Watch: Leo Carlsson Hockey Cards, Anaheim Ducks – More Resources
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Russ Cohen
is the author of several top-selling sports related books.
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