Ducks News: Anaheim Viewed As a Winner After First Round Pick

Winner winner, chicken dinner.

The first round of the NHL Draft has concluded and each team grabbed players that they believe will help benefit their franchises for years to come. There was some real talent in the draft class, especially towards the top with Conner Bedard heading things up. With Bedard going to the Chicago Blackhawks, they were obvious winners from the night. But other teams also deserve the praise, including the Anaheim Ducks.

Anaheim selected center Leo Carlsson from the Swedish Hockey League with the second overall pick and he has the potential to be an elite player in the NHL. Hockey writer Scott Wheeler of The Athletic labeled Anaheim as an "overtime winner" for their selection.

"There was a sense in Nashville this week that the draft could get interesting as early as No. 2, and that’s exactly how it played out with the Ducks passing on Adam Fantilli in favour of Carlsson. I’m partial to Fantilli, but it’s close enough for me that I don’t mind the pick at all. Carlsson’s an incredibly smart player who blends finesse and playmaking feel with length. He’s got top-of-the-lineup upside and there’s room for him to fill out his tall frame, add some strength, and find another level."

Per The Athletic

When General Manager Pat Verbeek called out the name Carlsson, it was met with some confusion. Many believed that the Ducks would take center Adam Fantilli from the University of Michigan but in the end, the Ducks couldn't pass on the more experienced Carlsson.

He has some massive size and has the ability to be a two-way player in the NHL. That surely factored into the decision by the Ducks to draft him second overall. This is the kind of pick that has staying power and can help Anaheim climb out of the bottom feeders of the league.

Carlsson has some pressure on his shoulder to help get the Ducks back into contention but the Ducks wouldn't have taken him if they didn't believe in him. Anaheim was one of the winners from the first round of the draft and they hope this is the first of many wins with Carlsson on the roster.