The Canucks were lucky enough to not drop down in the draft when the lottery awarded them the 11th overall selection. The 2023 Draft is meant to be one of the deepest prospect pools we've seen since 2015, making the excitement even bigger.
The Canucks had been quite subtle about their intentions regarding the draft, while the needs for a centerman and defensemen had been identified, Allvin had not singled out a name yet. In an interview, he gave to a Swedish newspaper, the Canucks GM made quite the statement regarding who they aimed and what their plan was.
Allvin revealed that he and his scouting team were really high on the Swede centerman Leo Carlsson. Carlsson registered the 5th-ever best-season for a draft-eligible prospect in the SHL as he managed 25 points in 44 games. The thing is, Carlsson is expected to go as high as number 2 and only a big surprise could have him go as low as 5.
Patrik Allvin is currently assisting the Men's World Championship where the prospect is participating as the youngest ever to wear the Swede uniform in an international competition, through 4 games he's collected 1 goal, and 1 assist for 2 points.
Is moving up a good strategy for the Canucks? Carlsson is a physically mature forward who stands at 6'03'' and almost 200 pounds, from multiple scouts' perspectives he could be a year or two away from being an NHLer. Is he what the Canucks need?
