Anaheim Ducks Select Forward Leo Carlsson with 2nd Overall Pick in 2023 NHL Draft

With their first pick in the 1st round of the 2023 NHL Draft, the Anaheim Ducks selected forward Leo Carlsson from the Swedish League’s Örebro HK at #2 overall.

According to Elite Prospects, Carlsson was the 3rd ranked prospect in the draft behind forwards Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli. He has been especially praised for his hockey sense, puckhandling, and size during his time in both the SHL and with Sweden at the World Juniors.

The selection of Carlsson represents the arrival at the end of an arduous journey for Ducks fans through their worst NHL season in franchise history. He will join a burgeoning group of young talent in Anaheim that includes NHLers Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish, and Jamie Drysdale, along with coveted prospects Pavel Mintyukov, Olen Zellweger, Tristan Luneau, and Sasha Pastujov.