William-Karlsson

Columbus Blue Jackets‘ center William Karlsson(25) receives a 2-year extension to continue growing his game with his new club.

Dealt close to the 2014/2015 trade deadline by draft team Anaheim Ducks, he skated only 18 games getting his first NHL goal and a pair of assists but was deemed expendable as they geared up for a Stanley Cup run.

He would play three games pocketing a goal and a helper, but spent more time with affiliate Springfield Falcons, where he seemed to wane going pointless in 15 AHL games with a -11 rating.

That would not deter the 2nd year forward.

After a strong training camp, he made the parent’s club opening night roster and would stay put through the 2015/2016 season scoring team a leading rookie totals for goals, assists and points with 9-11-20 totals through 81 games but had a -9 plus/minus, which we’re sure they’d like to see improvement on.

At 23-years old and about to enter his 7th year of pro hockey, it seems to be just a matter of time before he finding more open space and exploding the score sheet.

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William Karlsson(22) Norfolk Admirals

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Anaheim Ducks‘ 2nd round pick in the 2011 draft (#53 overall), Swedish-born center William Karlsson(22) already has 4 seasons of pro hockey in his home country, including the last pair in the SHL with HV71.

He scored 19 goals with 46 assists in 105 games and previously played 60 contests as a teenager in the tier 2 league, Allsvenskan.

The 6′ 180 lbs. forward was a point-per-game guy with a +25 rating in 2011/2012 for Västerås.

Signing his 3-year entry level deal for the current campaign, he was loaned by the parent club to skate one more season in Sweden.

With their playoff elimination, he was recalled to join minor league affiliate Norfolk Admirals.

In 6 AHL games he has his first North American pro hockey goal and a 3 assists, while playing a hard-working, highly skilled style.

At 21-years old he’ll most definitely be competing for a NHL roster spot for his official rookie year, 2014/2015.