Norris trophy, one of the biggest steals thus far in a draft, what more can you say about Erik Karlsson? Well he’s slick, skilled and while there is no guarantees he ever hits the heights he reached last year, he’s going to be an elite puck mover for quite a while. I’m no Sens fan, nor a Sens writer, but I wanted to talk about a new Karlsson…no not Erik of Hurricane property nor William of the Ducks or Jakob Forsbacka (2014). This different Erik Karlsson family has another son, a 16 year old destined for the 2014 draft, he’s the kind of player you really need to pay attention to going forward. Not only has he been a standout so far in the U20 Swedish SuperElit, but he was a beast in the U17’s, one of the earliest measures of a young future player. Now things are extremely early and crap happens, but he’s taken my eye as a guy to watch.
Anton Karlsson is already 6’0 and plays a physical game. He is strong on the boards even against 20 year olds and he has leveled some players in the U17’s. He got promoted from the U18 league due to his goal scoring ability and really that’s what I love about him. He has a one shot scoring ability that really takes your notice, he has a nasty wrist shot and loves to drift into the right circle for one timers. He’s quick and has a very good motor, he has a quick stride and loves chasing down the puck on the forecheck.
He captained the Swedes to a Gold medal against some seriously stiff competition including a Team Ontario that had two of the only three ever players granted Exceptional Player Status by Hockey Canada in Aaron Ekblad (16) and Connor McDavid (15). He had an impressive 6 goals (Tied for 3rd) and 9 points providing a physical two-way game. What we have is a solid two-way player who has some good offensive instincts, not only that, but an intensity to do what he needs to win.
Now it’s early, and there were players like Nylander, McDavid, Lindbolm, Svechnikov and so that are more highlighted players, but I love early talks and watches. Karlsson looks like a guy you can see in the first round of 2014 and you can expect the prototypical Swede in that he works hard, has some serious skill and will always try to get back and track his opponent.
I would like to watch more of him, but SuperElit games are extremely rare to find and I’ve only got my hands on 4 thus far with one being Frolunda.
For all the coverage on the U17 WJC check my friend Étienne Pouliot who saw a bunch of games live in Quebec.
http://everythinghockeyinquebec.blogspot.ca/
Here's a short sample
Team USA came into the tournament as a legitimate team to win the tournament, considering their lineup plays and practices on a daily basis as a whole with the USNDT, unlike the Canadian teams for example. Let's not overlook the fact that they produce more and more talent, and you better understand why some experts had them taking gold in the tournament. They started out strong by beating the other top contending team in Team Ontario, and they can thank Jack Eichel for that.
Eichel, a Halifax Mooseheads property( acquired 15th overall in the 2012 QMJHL draft), was nothing less than sublime in that titan clash, which was the opener of the hostilities in the tournament by the way. He seemed to always be on the ice, whether it was a PP, PK, 5on5 , at the beginning of a period or at the end, to protect a lead or when his team needed a goal. And he wasn't used there because there wasn't other options on the bench, but because he's good in all those situations. He was probably the best skater in the tournament(I only saw half the teams though, but it would be surprising someone could outskate him). His technique is very fluid and efficient, it makes him lightning quick to jump on lose pucks or beat defenseman wide. Pair that with slick hands and a good wrist shot and you have a complete player. Eichel in my mind was the best player in the tournament. He would make Halifax a much stronger team, even if he's 16. Good thing Cam Russell didn't convince him, for the other teams of the league, although I would love to see him play in the 'Q. The 6'1 177lbs Right-handed center is very smart with the puck and showed tremendous vision and patience with it. He's unselfish and will give the puck to his teammate if he's in a better position than him. His coach with the U-17 says he's a hardworking kid too, who give it his all all the time, may it be in the gym or on the ice. Did I tell you Eichel had two goals in that particular game? At least two more goals were scored by him team because of him.
Goes without saying that I was impressed by the Massachusetts native. Sadly he didn't play in the Bronze Final against Team Québec, as I believe he was injured. If this guy stays on track, he will be a special player. I'll keep my eyes on him, and I'll have plenty of time to better evaluate his game as he's draft eligible in 2015.
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