Superlupausta is compared to Aleksander Barkov - "In one area even better"

The Anaheim Ducks are one of the clear surprise teams of the NHL’s early season.

A group led by young superstars like Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier strengthened over the summer with a few veteran players, as the team brought in experienced Mikael Granlund and Chris Kreider. At the same time, among their own young players, especially Carlsson and Gauthier are having their true breakout seasons.

In the summer 2023 NHL Draft, Carlsson, who was called second overall after the highly praised Connor Bedard years before the draft, has racked up impressive stats of 10+15=25 in 15 games, placing him second in the league’s scoring race right behind Nathan MacKinnon.

In scouting circles, the Swedish center has already been compared to Finland’s top center Aleksander Barkov. The same sentiment is evident on social media.

– He is more promising offensively than Barkov was at the same age. I would say he will be an even better version of Barkov, one commentator assessed.

– His offensive vision is significantly better than Barkov’s at the same age, another chimed in.

– He is the future of the NHL. He will be a dominant force in all areas of the game. He has size, hands, and hockey sense, a third added.

There were also dissenting voices regarding the Barkov comparison.

– Let’s revisit this after a couple of Stanley Cup wins and four personal trophies, one commentator hit the brakes on the Carlsson hype.

In addition to Barkov, Carlsson has also been compared in professional circles to Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl. Some see the Swede as a new-age version of Evgeni Malkin.