The Ducks turned to Sweden in hopes of fast-tracking their rebuilding process, selecting talented center Leo Carlsson of Orebro HK with the No. 2 pick at the NHL draft on Wednesday in Nashville.
It is the fifth time since 2011 that the Ducks have taken a Swedish player with their first draft choice as Carlsson joined center Isac Lundestrom (No. 23) in 2018, defenseman Jacob Larsson (No. 27) in 2015, defenseman Hampus Lindholm (No. 6) in 2012 and forward Rickard Rakell (No. 30) in 2011.
“It feels unreal,” Carlsson said in an interview with Sportsnet. “I don’t know what to say right now. I have so many feelings now.”
This was the Ducks’ highest draft choice since they selected Bobby Ryan at No. 2, behind Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby, in 2005.
Like that year, there was no mystery, however, concerning the No. 1 draft pick.
It’s been a foregone conclusion that Connor Bedard, who had 72 goals and 143 points this past season for the Regina Pats of the WHL, would go first to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Bedard has long been considered the most anticipated draft-eligible player since Connor McDavid went first to the Edmonton Oilers in 2015.
For the Ducks, who finished last overall this past season, the drafting of Carlsson could serve as a turning point. Draft experts have said that, for instance, the likes of Carlsson or Canadian forward Adam Fantilli could have been candidates to go first overall last year.
Fantilli was an appealing option, having won the Hobey Baker award after a sensational freshman season at the University of Michigan. He went to the Columbus Blue Jackets with the No. 3 pick.
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek was asked what tipped the scales in Carlsson’s favor.
“We’re really excited about his creativity, his hockey sense,” Verbeek said to Sportsnet. “There’s a potential for him to really be a dominant player at both ends of the ice. We liked him — especially seeing him at the World Championships — play center. It became a tipping point for him.”
