Anaheim Ducks sign Leo Carlsson to three-year, entry-level contract
On Wednesday, the Anaheim Ducks announced that top-prospect Leo Carlsson signed an entry-level contract worth $2.85 million over three years with the team.
NEWS: We have signed Leo Carlsson to a three-year entry-level contract! #FlyTogether | @EandELaw https://t.co/4UeDGCmeVW
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) July 12, 2023Carlsson was the second-overall pick in June’s 2023 NHL Entry Draft after impressing as an 18-year-old in the SHL, Sweden’s top league. For Orebro HK, Carlsson scored 10 goals and 25 points in 44 games while sometimes literally playing men twice his age.
The team noted the elite company Carlsson’s SHL pedigree places him in; only the Sedin brothers, Niklas Backstrom, and Elias Lindholm scored more points than his 25 as draft-eligible players in that league.
Carlsson’s 6 ‘3 frame and offensive instincts make him a safe bet to lead Anaheim’s top line into the future. The center scored 3 goals and 5 points in 8 games at the IIHF World Championship, and his combination of skill and physical tools intrigued scouts throughout 2022-2023.
An attestation to the Ducks’ faith in Carlsson was their decision to select him over Hobey Baker Award-winner Adam Fantilli. Many experts regarded the Michigan center as the draft’s no. 2 prospect behind Connor Bedard, but Anaheim let him slide to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
While all prospects are unknown commodities, the Ducks showed tons of belief in Carlsson’s game to forgo Fantilli. The duo will doubtlessly draw comparisons to one another throughout their pro careers.
Since Anaheim GM Pat Verbeek drafted Carlsson, a player whose size and scoring potential are reminiscent of Mark Scheifele, he has set about acquiring veterans to improve a losing culture in Southern California.
While Alex Killorn and Radko Gudas will lend the Ducks their leadership and playoff experience over an expensive next few seasons, the success or failure of Verbeek’s 2023 offseason rides on Carlsson.