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.”
