Size, Smarts Bolster Prospect Carlsson's Potential

ColoradoAvalanche.com is profiling draft-eligible prospects leading up to the 2015 NHL Draft in Florida on June 26-27. Gabriel Carlsson is the No. 2-ranked European skater in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings. The Avalanche has the 10th overall selection at the draft.

With a high hockey IQ and a big frame, Gabriel Carlsson could have a promising future as a solid defenseman in the NHL.At 6-foot-4 and 183 pounds, the left-shot defender plays big and smart and is considered a stay-at-home defenseman with a good reach,” wrote Mike Morreale in his NHL.com mock draft. “He plays a safe game and has become very reliable while rising in the international ranks. He uses his size and strength in a…