Gabriel Carlsson was somewhat of a surprise first round pick of the Jackets in 2015. Though some pre-draft lists heralded the big Swede one of the top European skaters available, it was still thought of as a reach to draft him in the first round, and even moreso to trade up to do so. But the Jackets saw something they liked, and went after it.
Carlsson played as a bottom pairing/7th defenseman for Sweden’s 2016 World Junior team, but was mainly deployed on the penalty kill. During this summer’s National Junior Evaluation Camp, he was given an increased even strength role to go along with his PK duty. One figures that he would be close to a lock for the 2017 World Junior team, barring a disastrous first half of the season.
Last season, Carlsson started out with Linkoping’s U20 team in the Swedish junior league. After putting up 8 points in 11 games, he was called up to Linkoping HC of the Swedish Hockey League. He didn’t see the ice too often, averaging about 12 minutes a game, primarily at even strength, as he was eased into playing pro hockey. Carlsson’s offensive output reflected his limited minutes, managing a goal and 9 points in 45 games. But despite his size and role as a defensive-minded defender, he showed discipline, taking just one penalty all season.
The numbers paint a decent picture of his style of play. He’s a stay-at-home, left-shooting blueliner who isn’t one to jump up into the offensive rush often. He isn’t particularly physical in a “gritty” sense, and was credited with only 6 hits during his SHL season. A positionally-focused player, Carlsson reads oncoming rushes and reacts quickly, working against the boards to protect the puck and block off lanes to the net by using his 6’4” frame.
What separates Gabriel Carlsson from the other large Blue Jackets defensive prospects is his mobility. The 6’4” Carlsson is easily the best skater of the group, with strong open-ice speed, decent pivots and good reaction times. This mobility helps his checking down low, and he’s able to stay with forwards in the corners. Even though he is a good skater, especially for his size, his first-two-step acceleration is lacking somewhat, which is something he’ll need to work on.
As mentioned, Carlsson’s offensive ability is relatively limited. He is capable of making a decent breakout pass, but isn’t going to have the offensive acumen to be a powerplay option, or a reliable point-producer. While he could be more than a simple “stay-at-home” defenseman, it would be foolish to expect much in the way of boxcar stats to materialize.
Future Outlook
Carlsson signed his entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets in April, but is sticking around in Sweden for 2016/17, where he should see an increased role with Linkoping in the SHL, and move up to a top-four spot with Sweden at the World Juniors. It would not be a surprise to see the Jackets move him to North American hockey for 2017/18.
With his current development curve, it’s a good bet that Carlsson will get at least a cup of coffee in the NHL to show what he’s got, although likely not until at least 2018/19. His defensive game and mobility will carry him far, but he will need to firm up his puck skills to truly show that he can contribute at the NHL level.
Age: 19 (01/02/1997)
Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 185 pounds
2015/16 Team: Linkoping (SHL), Linkoping U20 (SuperElit)
Likely 2016/17 Destination: Linkoping (SHL)
– Jeremy
Follow me on twitter, @307x.
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