Ht/Wt: 5' 11"/165 lbs
Position: D
Team: Frolunda Jr.

Erik Karlsson Player Profile

Practically unknown in North America prior to April of this year, Erik Karlsson enjoyed a rapid rise to the top of the European skater rankings after a fantastic World Junior Championshop (U18) tournament this year. Leading team Sweden in the tournament with 7 assists in 6 games, Karlsson displayed his calm, slick passing and skating skills to scouts and earned his ticket to the draft. Karlsson possesses terrific stick and skating skills, making him a solid powerplay quarterback and playmaking defenceman. Though he has good speed (not overly outstanding, but smooth and strong), his vision and ability to put the puck precisely where he wants it are his key attributes.

He is on the smaller side, at 5'11 and 165 lbs, and will need to add some strength and size, but generally overcomes these deficiences with hard work and surprising grit in his own end. He put up 37 (13-24-37) points with Frolunda Junior in Sweden this season.
Submitted by: Colin Mercer

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