Entering last summer, the obvious weak spot in this organization was the defense. Rather than stop with #8 pick Zach Werenski, GM Jarmo Kekalainen later traded back into the first round to acquire the 29th pick and select Swedish defenseman Gabriel Carlsson.
At a towering 6’4” Carlsson’s size helped earn him the #2 rank that year among European Skaters, according to NHL Central Scouting. An admirer of countryman Nicklas Lidstrom, Carlsson is described as a stay-at-home defenseman. He does not produce many points, but is praised for his passing ability and his high hockey IQ.
Last season, Carlsson represented Sweden in the World Juniors and played 45 games with Linköping HC of the Swedish Hockey League, where he scored 1/8/9 with a +/- of 4 and just 2 PIM.