Leo Carlsson‘s rookie season was a mix of challenges and triumphs that went beyond his numbers. While his 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists) might not immediately grab attention, his impact on the ice was undeniable.
Carlsson faced considerable obstacles throughout the season. He missed the start due to a nasty fall into the boards and later returned from a potentially season-ending injury in just three and a half weeks. He also dealt with a knee scare that, fortunately, didn’t sideline him, and a concussion that kept him out for two and a half weeks. Adding to the difficulties, Carlsson was load-managed during the first half of the season, limiting his ice time.
Despite the setbacks, Carlsson might be the most predictable Ducks player this season. Though point production can be tricky to project, his role is clearly defined. He’ll reprise his role as the first-line center, a spot he held throughout last year. He’s expected to anchor the top powerplay unit and contribute to the penalty kill—a role GM Pat Verbeek confirmed during his exit interview. This season, he’ll face a larger defensive workload while being expected to increase his offensive output.
Notably, Carlsson will no longer be under the load management regime—often referred to as the “Leo plan”—so fans will see him fully unleashed this season. He’s been putting in the work during the offseason, with frequent Instagram updates from his trainer showing him in various workouts. The Ducks requested that Carlsson gain nearly 15 pounds; while he didn’t quite achieve that goal, he did boost his deadlift by 100 pounds since summer began. Despite joking about inheriting “skinny legs” from his dad, Carlsson’s legs have become notably stronger and more toned, positioning him well to battle opponents on the ice.
Unlike last year’s packed offseason schedule, which included an SHL playoff run, the IIHF World Championship, the NHL Draft, development camp, and training in both Florida and Sweden, Carlsson had a more focused summer this year. The Ducks asked him to skip the World Championship to prioritize training, so he’s had time to rest, bulk up, and prepare for the season. He knows his role and what to expect.
So, what can we expect from Leo this season? In a recent interview, Carlsson set a personal goal of reaching 50 points this season, which seems a reasonable baseline. I’m hopeful he could hit around 60 points, especially if he finds chemistry with Cutter Gauthier on his line. If he remains healthy and his linemates stay consistent, Carlsson could potentially reach 70 points, although that might be a big ask given the uncertainties.
Interestingly, GM Verbeek mentioned at the Summer Flock Party (watch here) that he aims to build a team similar to the Florida Panthers. Carlsson possesses many of the same attributes as their captain, Aleksander Barkov—someone who is highly underrated for his contributions.
Known for his strong two-way presence, Barkov excels in areas like penalty killing and consistently doing the small things that have a big impact on the game. Carlsson mirrors these qualities, and fans can expect him to bring this style of play to the Ducks, playing a pivotal role as the team continues to develop.
Thank you for reading, and GO DUCKS!
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ITR 35: Round One – Inside The Rink
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