Apr 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars goaltender Casey DeSmith (1) and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) and Vancouver Canucks center Linus Karlsson (94) look for the puck during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/ab8ad387-c051-45c8-a822-323bc0d1e9ff.jpeg] Apr 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars goaltender Casey DeSmith (1) and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) and Vancouver Canucks center Linus Karlsson (94) look for the puck during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The Vancouver Canucks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks] acquired 2018 third-round draft pick, Linus Karlsson, back in 2019. He made his NHL debut on November 16, 2023, and scored his first NHL goal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/must-see-canucks-karlsson-scores-first-career-nhl-goal] on January 29, 2025 against the Nashville Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/]. Now, the forward has 26 total NHL games under his belt as well as two postseason NHL games. Despite finding a goal-scoring home with the Abbotsford Canucks as the franchise’s leading scorer, Karlsson looks to find his role with Vancouver. Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/]: Canucks Quinn Hughes Joins Elite Company With 350th Career Assist [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/canucks-quinn-hughes-joins-elite-company-with-350th-career-assist] Each Of Brock Boeser’s Seasons With The Canucks Described In Less Than Four Words [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/each-of-brock-boesers-seasons-with-the-canucks-described-in-less-than-four-words] Canucks Quinn Hughes Nominated For The 2025 King Clancy Trophy [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/canucks-quinn-hughes-nominated-for-the-2025-king-clancy-trophy] Karlsson scored his third goal of the season Monday night against the San Jose Sharks — a tidy one that involved him crashing the net to tuck home a rebound. He scored his first NHL goal in a similar manner, keeping himself planted in front of the opposing goaltender to bat in any possible bounces. “If you want to score in this league, you have to have some natural presence. And I love to be that guy,” Karlsson commented on Monday about the style of his goal. “I just try to find a role that helps the team. And if I can help, it’s getting me a better chance to play up here.” “He’s a guy that can [do that],” Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet said of Karlsson wanting a netfront role. “He should embrace that role, because he can do it.” Tip-ins and netfront goals are something Karlsson has been practicing for awhile. In fact, Karlsson’s first goal with Abbotsford came from crashing the net and maintaining his presence in-tight. For Karlsson, carving out a full-time NHL role like this is definitely possible — he’ll just need to continue working at it. “I think there’s something there, [but] he’s got to get stronger,” Tocchet said. “That’s just part of the maturation.” “I think it’s a lot of technique. I’m probably not the strongest guy, but I work a lot with this kind of stuff,” Karlsson added regarding his playstyle. “Most of the game is along the board. So really, that’s probably why I’m up here. That’s what I’m good at, like along the walls, and try to get the puck out of there.” Ultimately, Karlsson’s goal for next season should be cementing himself in Vancouver’s regular lineup and continuing to play the way he has since being called up this time around. If that means playing netfront and collecting as many tip-ins and rebounds as possible, then that’s what he’ll have to do. Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwr-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f8c151b3-f0db-4123-b979-763c3671a0bc.jpeg] The Hockey News
