In a world that revolves around the Celebrini vs. Bedard arguments, the NHL world seems to be blind to the fact that Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks is one of the hottest players in the league right now, and has every right to be involved in those conversations. As a former second overall pick, Carlsson has only improved as the years have gone by, and after hitting 100 career NHL points, Carlsson is one of the NHL's tip point scorers, and is becoming one of the most exciting young stars in the league.
Currently through 18 games, Carlsson has 18 points, and has become everything the Ducks hoped he would have become when they selected him second overall in 2023. At the time, many felt like it was a long shot after passing on the University of Michigan's Adam Fantilli. However, almost three years on, Carlsson has finally found his mojo.
So far the Connor Bedard vs. Macklin Celebrini debates have solely revolved around points and styles of play. Many have compared Celebrini to Sidney Crosby, and many have been comparing Bedard to Patrick Kane and Nikita Kucherov, but what about Carlsson? He can score, he is physical, strong, and big, he can make plays anywhere on the ice, and his defensive capabilities could well be better than his young rivals. Carlsson is becoming a real key guy down in Anaheim, and even at only 20, he is oozing with leadership, and his role on the team will continue tyo bud with the rapid development of the Anaheim Ducks.
Whether it is purely down to playing in a smaller market in Anaheim compared to Chicago and San Jose, Carlsson has really reached the top of the points standing wiothout any major spotlight. Every night the world of hockey has their eyes glued to what Celebrini and Bedard are doing, but over in Orange County, Carlsson is doing what some would argue is ever=n better, and so far through this year, what he offers to the Ducks, and how his play have progressed in every area of the ice, Leo Carlsson has every merit to being that conversation, and he doesn't seem to be slowing down.
Regardless of the point scoring, Carlsson is a guy who the Ducks will wanting to be holding on to for years. Over his last couple of years, his game as progressed massively, and for many fans and many teams, his two way ability, matched with his eye for goal would 100% appeal more than Bedard's handy release and Celebrini's playmaking, and as for ability, he is right up there with the best youngsters in the league. If he continues to go under the radar, come May time, people may find he is still in the points race, but as of now, Leo Carlsson is definitely giving the two talks of the league a run for their money.