CBJ Draft Prospect - Leo Carlsson

At the draft lottery party the Blue Jackets held at the Columbus Brewing Company on May 8th, the atmosphere was electric. Hundreds of people packed the bar, inside and outside on a nice patio. Reps from the team were there, Stinger was there, In arena host Mike Todd was there pumping everyone up, local sports media was there, and ESPN had a live feed showing all the fun. Lots of people were there a couple hours before it even started, it was amazing to see. But deep down, everyone could feel what was about to happen, and it did. The CBJ were dropped to #3. And for all the excitement that was around me, it quickly turned to disgust. People moaned and yelled very loudly as it was read. And then people poured out of the party. The fun was over.

So with that outcome, the conversation quickly turned to who the Blue Jackets were going to take at #3. The consensus top two picks being Bedard and Fantilli, made it an easy choice at 3, Leo Carlsson. Carlsson is widely considered to be a #1 pick in most drafts, so the CBJ could be getting what they want at 3, a #1 Center, which is a need they've been craving since 2000.

Leo Carlsson is a big kid. At 6'3'' 194 lbs, he checks just about every box the Jackets are in need of. Size, strength, smooth hands, 2 way center and is highly aware of what's happening on the ice. Oh and just in case he needs to, he can play the wing as well. From the scouting reports I've read, he is legit. I did watch him play during the recent IIHF worlds, and you could tell he was on the ice. 

Carlsson has played the last 2 seasons in the SHL, the Swedish Hockey League for Örebro HK. In the 21/22 season, he garnered 9 points in 35 games. In the 22/23 season, he had a breakout. In 44 games, he had 25 points, 10 of those being goals. Leo was 6th on the team in points. Here's the thing about Carlssons last 2 seasons in the SHL, he played the majority of the games, under the age of 18 years old. He turned 18 on Dec 26, 2022. 

To see The Hockey News Tony Ferrari's final draft rankings, click here

So with that being said, who should the CBJ take at #3? Some experts say that the gap between Leo Carlsson and Adam Fantilli was non-existent. Others say the gap was fairly large, but Leo closed that gap during the recent IIHF worlds. In 8 games, Carlsson notched 3 goals, 5 points in 8 games. Personally I'm torn between the two. Carlsson is seemingly ready to play NHL minutes now and is ready to come to North America and contribute to whatever NHL team decides to take him on. As opposed to Adam Fantilli, who is also potentially ready for the NHL, but could return to school. I'm in the camp that the Jackets need someone to play now. Not because the team is in a position to contend, but because fans are ready to see a kid, who apparently could be a #1 pick in most drafts, on the ice and playing with Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine. 

Jarmo and John Davidson have a decision to make, but ultimately its up to the Anaheim Ducks to make that decision. Everyone knows that whoever the Ducks don't choose, the Blue Jackets will. June 28th cant come soon enough for Blue Jacket fans. Whomever they choose, CBJ fans will be sure to love them. They have a thirst for a winner that is unrivaled in the NHL and they really want another draft pick to latch onto and play along side Zach Werenski, Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine. My guess is that the CBJ end up with Leo Carlsson and that is fine by me.