Anaheim Ducks Depth Chart: Rakell, Karlsson, or Kerdiles?
By Jason Siders
William Karlsson
(6’0”, 180lbs. Drafted 53rd overall, 2011)
Like Rakell, William Karlsson is another young center from Sweden. Karlsson spent the end of last season with the Norfolk Admirals, after spending the past two years playing for Jonkoping of the Swedish Elite League. Karlsson put up respectable numbers in the SEL, and was named the league’s Rookie of the Year after his 2012-13 campaign. In 17 games in Norfolk, Karlsson posted 12 points (3g, 9a).
Karlsson has excellent playmaking skills, and a solid two way game. His only apparent drawback is his size. At only 180lbs., he could stand to put on some weight to adapt to the more physical NHL game.
However, Karlsson has a real shot at winning a roster spot. In a recent press conference, Boudreau said that both Rakell and William Karlsson were “ready” to make the leap to the NHL.