Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft, will be the fourth member of his class to make his NHL debut when he suits up Thursday against the visiting Dallas Stars.
Carlsson, 18, joins Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli and Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson.
Carlsson, who is expected to center the top line with Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry, missed the Ducks' first two games due to a lower-body injury sustained at practice on Oct. 6.
"I think I'm pretty good at not feeling pressure," Carlsson told The Athletic. "You know what I mean? It's the first NHL game. Obviously, I'll be a bit nervous and stuff. But as soon as the puck drops, I'm going to just focus on the game and play it."
Carlson led all junior players in the Swedish Hockey League last season with 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 44 games with Orebro, earning Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year honors.
"From what I've seen, and if he manages it the proper way, if he continues to grow from where he is now, he's going to be a heck of a player," Ducks coach Greg Cronin said.
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