Leo Carlsson, the 18-year-old Swedish ice hockey player, has been making waves in the hockey world as he is expected to be a top-five pick in the 2023 NHL draft. Leo's parents, Kenneth and Camilla, are both Swedish nationals.
Kenneth, Leo's father, played professionally as a defenseman in Sweden for 10 years, while Leo's older brother Casper also plays defense for Valdemarsviks IF in Sweden's Division 3.
Leo developed his love for hockey at an early age, following in his family's footsteps. His father coached him throughout his minor hockey program with the local club team Farjestad BK. Leo's parents noticed his stutter at the age of six, but he has learned to manage it on his own, focusing on the words, instead of how he sounds. Leo has learned to embrace his stutter and is proud of himself, saying that he can't change it as it is a part of him.
At the age of 15, Leo left his hometown of Karlstad to join Orebro's under-20 junior program in the fall of 2020, leaving his parents behind. His father owns a business locally, and his mother works in administration for the Karlstad community. Leo's new home was in an apartment building near the rink and school, where he lived alone without a roommate.
A look at blue-chip prospect Leo Carlsson's journey to the SHL and 2023 Draft
With a promising debut season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for Orebro HK, Carlsson has solidified his status as a "blue-chip" prospect, catching the attention of scouts and analysts alike.
Leo Carlsson began his hockey journey playing at the youth level for his hometown team, Farjestad BK. However, it wasn't until the 2020-21 season when he moved to Orebro HK that he started making a name for himself. Despite being just 16 years old at the time, Carlsson was able to showcase his skills and earn a spot on the team's senior roster.
During the 2021-22 season, Leo Carlsson made his professional debut in the SHL, posting three goals and nine points in 35 regular-season games. He impressed coaches and fans alike with his offensive acumen and quickly secured a spot on the team's scoring line for the following season.
Bob McKenzie, a prominent hockey analyst, has called Leo Carlsson a "blue-chip" prospect, indicating that he is among the top prospects for the 2023 NHL Draft. Carlsson's impressive play in the SHL has earned him attention from NHL teams and scouts.
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