Ducks’ Leo Carlsson still learning, growing in second NHL season
This story appeared on hockeysverige.se this week and has been translated from Swedish to English.
Expectations were high for Leo Carlsson when he entered the NHL last year. And truly, he gave glimpses of the star player he could become for the Anaheim Ducks.
This season, however Carlsson has yet to fully find his stride — something that reflects Anaheim’s overall performance as well. The Swedish forward has recorded five goals and four assists in 17 games – and while it’s not a lot, he is second in team scoring behind Troy Terry.
The Ducks have faced another tough start, with just 16 points from 17 games, keeping them near the bottom of the NHL standings once again.
“I think we’re on a path where we can take another step forward soon, hopefully,” Carlsson said. “Many of us are still only 19, 20, or 21 years old, and it’s not easy to make that leap. But there’s a good feeling in the team, and we’re confident.”
With his goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets last, the 19-year-old surpassed Mats Sundin for third in all-time scoring among Swedish teenagers. Only Gabriel Landeskog and Lucas Raymond have scored more goals before their 20th birthdays.
“I saw that. It’s cool — I didn’t even know it was a stat,” Carlsson said. “Sundin’s a hockey legend, so it’s pretty special. But it’s not something I think much about; maybe once I turn 20, then it’ll sink in.”
Landeskog scored 22 goals as a teenager, while Raymond had 20. With a month and a half left until his 20th birthday on December 26 and sitting at 17 goals, Carlsson has a good chance to climb further up this list.
“If I play well and get a little lucky, there’s a chance, of course. But if I focus on it too much, it’ll probably backfire.”
Carlsson was selected second overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, just behind Connor Bedard, and the expectations have been high ever since. He posted 29 points in 55 games in his rookie season, missing time with injuries and due to load management decisions.
Now, he’s entered the “sophomore slump” stage in the NHL.
“The game feels the same overall, though sometimes you go through stretches without points—that’s just part of the role I play,” Carlsson admitted. I wouldn’t say I think about it too much, but it’s there.
“As a team, we’ve had some trouble scoring. We get lots of chances, but the puck just hasn’t gone in. We’ll play well but then allow three goals in the first period and fail to score. It’s hard to win that way. For me, it’s been similar, getting chances but not finishing. It was nice to score in the last game, at least.”
Carlsson says the second season still feels incredibly fast-paced, though he’s starting to better understand what’s happening on the ice, making it easier to play.
“It’s still just as tough to score, defend, and compete with top players, but I feel more confident.”
One offseason focus for Carlsson was physical conditioning. Standing at 6-foot-3, he added muscle to be better prepared for his second NHL season.
“You feel a bit stronger and more confident on the ice. Last year, I felt a bit gangly,” Carlsson said. “Now, after a long summer, I could focus on building strength. It felt like the right choice. I’m tall, so there was a lot to work on. It was suggested by the team and something I wanted for myself, so there wasn’t much to think about there.”
Is Anaheim Happy with Your Physical Development?
“Yeah, they are. I had a long summer. Last year, I didn’t get that with the draft, the combine, and all that. But this time, I got four solid months to train, and I felt good in the fitness tests when I got here, so they’re definitely pleased.”
During his rookie season, Anaheim managed Carlsson’s workload carefully, limiting him to no more than two weekly games, without back-to-backs. The goal was to ensure he adjusted to the NHL’s physicality and intensity at a controlled pace.
Do you think that approach made a difference?
“I think it was good. I can tell this year how challenging it is to play all the time and that it’s a long season with 82 games. It was probably a good thing last year since I wasn’t as physically ready as I am now.”
“My speed has improved. I didn’t play much center in Örebro (in his last season in the SHL), so I didn’t often take on that role. But now I feel like I can challenge more with my speed, whereas before, it was mostly about my hockey IQ. Now, I can use both speed and IQ, and that’s been the biggest improvement for me.”
Something else that’s new for Carlsson in his second NHL season is that his girlfriend Daniella has now joined him in California, which has made life easier.
“It’s just nice at home. Having her there when I come home, and she’s making food—it’s something I didn’t do much last year. She also gets me out on my days off instead of just staying at home.”
Carlsson played for Sweden at the 2023 World Championships, setting a record as the youngest Swede to ever compete in the tournament. Between February 2025 and February 2026, Carlsson hopes to make the squad for events like the 4 Nations Face-Off, the World Championship in Stockholm, and the Olympics in Milan. He admits competition is fierce.
“I’ve thought about it, but I see it as a bonus. There are so many great Swedish forwards in the NHL, so I’m not expecting anything. It would just be an amazing bonus if I made the team.”
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