Anaheim Ducks' Young Star Leo Carlsson Elicits Leon Draisaitl Comparisons from Hockey Experts
The rebuilt Anaheim Ducks roster is brimming with youthful talent, but the most significant buzz surrounds 21-year-old Swedish center Leo Carlsson. His performance during the regular season and in Game 1 of the playoffs has captured the attention of NHL insiders, who are drawing direct parallels to Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl.
"He's Got Leon Potential": MacTavish's Assessment
Former Edmonton Oilers coach and general manager Craig MacTavish, who originally drafted Draisaitl third overall in 2014, offered a compelling evaluation of Carlsson's abilities. "He's a beast ... he's got Leon potential," MacTavish stated emphatically. While acknowledging that Carlsson might not yet possess Draisaitl's elite vision, MacTavish highlighted striking similarities in their playing styles.
"When you see a guy who can move at that size and shake guys with agility and cutbacks, that looks a lot like Leon to me," MacTavish elaborated. Both players share the physical presence and puck-handling confidence that defines elite NHL centers.
Carlsson's Emerging Performance Metrics
In Monday's playoff action, Carlsson demonstrated his offensive capabilities with nine shots directed at goaltender Connor Ingram, including thirteen attempts at the net with two blocked and two missing the target. He contributed a goal and an assist while playing alongside linemate Troy Terry, who scored twice in the Oilers' 4-3 victory over the Ducks.
Despite having only completed two NHL seasons, with his most recent campaign shortened by a rare lesion on his left thigh, Carlsson has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest significant untapped potential. One longtime NHL scout confirmed this assessment, stating simply, "I think you've got him pegged."
The 2023 Draft What-If Scenario
The hockey world continues to speculate about what might have transpired during the 2023 NHL Draft if the Ducks had won the lottery and secured the first overall pick. With the best odds entering the draft, Anaheim ultimately saw the selection go to Chicago, who chose Connor Bedard.
This development raises intriguing questions about whether Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek would have faced a difficult decision between the smaller, highly skilled Bedard and the larger, physically imposing Carlsson. Verbeek was known to have been particularly impressed with the Swedish teenager during pre-draft evaluations.
MacTavish addressed this hypothetical scenario, noting, "It would have been very hard to do" when considering passing on Bedard. He added, "Carlsson is a handful. Players like Leon and Carlsson, they not only want the puck, they demand it."
Anaheim's Youth Movement in Full Swing
The Ducks' roster features numerous promising young players developing through their first-round series against the veteran Oilers. Alongside Carlsson, Anaheim is showcasing right-wingers Beckett Sennecke (a rookie of the year finalist) and Cutter Gauthier (who scored 41 goals), plus center-turned-winger Mason McTavish and USA Olympian Jackson LaCombe, who logged 26 minutes in Game 1 on defense.
While Gauthier had a relatively quiet night with just one shot in thirteen minutes, the dynamic Sennecke recorded six shots but was on the ice for two Oilers goals. LaCombe faced challenges containing Draisaitl during crucial moments but demonstrated resilience with a notable reverse hit on Zach Hyman in the third period.
Future Outlook for Carlsson's Development
Although Carlsson may not yet command the same spotlight as 19-year-old sensation Macklin Celebrini, hockey analysts believe he possesses the attributes of a perennial 100-point player. His combination of size, skill, and competitive drive continues to draw favorable comparisons to one of the NHL's established superstars, suggesting a bright future for both the young center and the Anaheim Ducks franchise.
