Watch the jaw-dropping highlights of Leo Carlson, the top-ranked European skater in the 2023 NHL draft. With a unique blend of skill, power, and hockey IQ, Carlson has mesmerized fans in the SHL and the WJC. From effortlessly outmaneuvering defenders to delivering precise passes in stride, he has become a true highlight machine. Watch as this big-bodied forward showcases his finesse, size, and relentless competitiveness, creating unforgettable moments on the ice.
Tony Ferrari - The Hockey News - Dec. 19th: “The top Swede in the ’23 draft has been a highlight machine, routinely going through defenders with skilled moves and then putting them on his back and driving to the net, showcasing the power in his game.“
Sam Cosentino - Sportsnet - Dec. 14th: “Will be interesting to see how high he can elevate himself at the WJC on a star-studded Swedish lineup full of NHL drafted players.“
Josh Tessler - Smaht Scouting - Nov. 25th: “Carlsson’s vision and stick-handling can get him out of well-pressured jams in all three zones. He will find quality passing lanes in the neutral zone when looking for a teammate in stride to pass to and has no issue with maneuvering the puck around tight pressure.“
Corey Pronman - The Athletic - Nov. 15th: “His skill, hockey sense and compete level are all excellent. He’s able to create a ton of offense in the high-percentage areas with game-breaking skill elements to boot.“
Scott Wheeler - The Athletic - Nov. 1st: “Carlsson’s a big kid who has begun to come into his body (he added 10 pounds last offseason to bring him to 6-foot-3 and 194 pounds), but he’s also got slick skill to complement his size, and regularly makes plays and manufactures offence for himself through little shakes, beating defenders one-on-one with his hands or out-waiting them in puck protection off of his hip.“
Eetu Siltanen - Dobber Prospects - Oct. 20th: “In a similar mold to Fantilli, Carlsson is a well-rounded forward with a projectable frame. He has excellent puck skills and the ability to beat players with his hands – even in the SHL, where he already established himself as a regular player in his draft-1 season.“
Sam Cosentino - Sportsnet - Oct. 19th: “Big body player (6-foot-3, 194 pounds) who will use his speed to burn defenders on the outside, but is skilled enough to protect the puck to take it to the interior.“
Steven - Daily FaceOff - Oct. 3rd: “He’s already off to a good start this season and should be given better opportunities as the season progresses.“
Peter Baracchini - The Hockey Writers - Sept. 27th: “A smart and calculated centreman with great IQ, he shows no panic in his game. He’s calm and is always displaying a great compete level.“
Bob McKenzie - TSN - Sept. 22nd: “The big Swedish forward, who has the versatility to play wing or centre, depending on the circumstances, has already earned some great early-season reviews for his play in Europe.“