Ducks Sign 2011 2nd-Rounder, William Karlsson to ELC
Sweden’s William Karlsson celebrates his goal against Finland during the third period of a world junior hockey championships semifinal game, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, in Calgary, Alberta. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)
Fresh off a regular season and postseason with a tremendous amount of impact made by recent draft picks, the Anaheim Ducks signed their 2nd round pick from the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, William Karlsson. Karlsson, fresh off winning the Swedish Elite League Rookie of the Year, is 20-years-old and from Marsta, Sweden. After totaling 12 goals and 33 assists for 45 points in 46 games for Vasteras in the Swedish version of the AHL (Allsvenskan), Karlsson put up 4 goals and 24 assists for 28 points in 50 games for HV71 in the SEL. He also was a +17 in those 50 games. He’s just another promising young forward in a deep prospect pool for the Ducks.
via ducks.nhl.com
Age: 20
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 176 lbs.
Scouting Reports:
A speedy and skilled player. Karlsson has good hockey sense and is fairly all-round overall. Works hard both ways and is reliable defensively. Nice passing ability. Creates a lot of scoring changes with his skating. Has a creative side and some shifty moves too. Needs to get stronger. (EP 2011)via EliteProspects.comKarlsson is one of three very well-rounded Swedes in the Ducks system. His speedy, two-way game should prove suitable to the North American game as soon as he gains some more strength. Not only is he quick, he is also shifty and capable of making plays in traffic. Karlsson was outstanding for the Swedes in their sprint to gold at the World Juniors.This season Karlsson has played in the relegation-tier Swedish pro league and performed very well. It would be outstanding for his development to get some time in the SEL and then a stint at the North American minor pro level. While he is still not very close to making his NHL debut, Karlsson projects as a second-line center who could ease into a checking role if his scoring output was not up to snuff.via HockeysFuture.com
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