Fantasy Summary
With consistency and improved skating, he has the tools to be an effective two-way center in the NHL.
Observations
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April 2023 – JFK has apparently retired as a professional hockey player as of 2022, according to Elite Prospects. Pat Quinn
February 2020 – JFK has posted modest numbers across the board since returning to play in Sweden. He sits tied for seventh in team scoring with five goals and 13 points through 31 games. Seeing an average of just under 16 minutes of ice time per game, JFK has managed 42 shots on goal, minimal powerplay production and has not moved the needle much with shots or hits. While both he and the Bruins have alluded to a reunion in the future, perhaps the best course of action for his development would be to spend a few more seasons in the SHL, gaining experience and increased playing time. Chris Mazza
August 2019 – JFK will play his 2019-2020 campaign with Växjö of the SHL. Bruins GM Don Sweeney noted that part of this decision for the young center was to be closer to his family. Sweeney also made it clear that JFK intends to return to the Bruins in the future. The hope for consistent fantasy production will have to wait at least one more year.Chris Mazza
April 2019 – JFK returned from his concussion to finish his AHL season on a run of 11 points in 16 games. In his second year as a pro, he was bounced around between the NHL and AHL, finishing with 28 games played in each league. His return from injury helped lead Providence to a Calder Cup Playoff berth, where the Bruins will face a powerhouse Charlotte Checkers team. Look for JFK to push for full time NHL duty next season. Chris Mazza
March 2019 – After posting nine points through 28 NHL games this season, the Bruins sent JFK down to Providence at the end of January. He managed to play just two games and has since been out with a concussion. This is a tough blow for the young center, as he would have been given a much greater offensive role in the AHL than he had in the NHL. With Boston adding a couple forwards at this year’s trade deadline, JFK should remain in the minors for the rest of the season once he returns. Chris Mazza
January 2019 – JFK has managed just three goals and eight points through 27 NHL games this year. He failed to truly capitalize on a scoring role opportunity during Bergeron’s extended absence, and seems to be settling in as a bottom-six, role-playing center for the Bruins. JFK averages just under 12 minutes of ice time each game with limited special teams work, and while he should maintain his position as an NHL player moving forward, his offensive upside is decreasing with each passing game. Chris Mazza
November 2018 – JFK was called up to the NHL in early November and through seven games has managed just two goals and three shots while playing mostly third-line minutes. He has seen no power play time and has been primarily tasked to limit opposing scoring chances. There is hope for greater production in the immediate future however, as Patrice Bergeron’s multi-week injury has opened up a prime scoring role alongside Marchand and Pastrnak. JFK was impressing coach Bruce Cassidy when Bergeron went down, which prompted Cassidy to give the youngster a shot on the first line. Speaking of shots, it would still be nice if JFK was able to generate more in that category, but he has nonetheless become an immediate fantasy commodity as a result of his new top-line role. Chris Mazza
September 2018 – JFK entered this year’s training camp in consideration for Boston’s third-line center position, but ultimately was among the team’s final cuts. He had a good first pro season playing for Providence in 2017-2018, but the Bruins will likely be looking for more of a scoring touch from their young Swedish prospect before he gets a significant look with the NHL team. Areas to keep an eye on this season will be increased offensive numbers (especially on the power play) and a spike in shots on goal. He likely won’t be in a position to have a fantasy impact until the 2019-2020 campaign. Chris Mazza
September 2017 – JFK is a talented offensive player but his responsibility in his own zone is what separates him from the other prospects of his age. The Bruins got JFK into a game at the end of last season and while he didn’t get much ice-time he surely would’ve had a taste of what was to come in his young career. While JFK isn’t the total package at this point in his development he does have all the tools to be an elite shut-down forward with strong offensive upside. His main competition for a job this season will be Sean Kuraly, and they will both be fighting to secure the spot in the roster recently vacated by Dominic Moore. While JFK likely has more upside, Kuraly has more experience and may be more NHL ready. Mike Drover
February 2017 – JFK is having a quietly successful season for the Boston University Terriers. Karlsson has 11 goals and 14 assists through 29 games so far this season, appearing in each of BU’s games thus far. While on the surface these stats seem perfectly fine, a deeper look shows that Karlsson is shooting at an unsustainable 19% on the season, and appears to be the beneficiary of some good puck-luck. At only 57 shots for the season we’d like to see JFK shoot the puck a bit more if he is going to become a fantasy relevant scorer. –Mike Drover
December 2016 – Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson is continuing his solid play for Boston University. The two-way center has been effective for the Terriers so far this year, potting three goals and adding ten assists in only 14 games. JFK will never be a volume shooter as it isn’t part of his game, but if he can chip in this much offence while being solid defensively he will find his way into the NHL eventually. JFK will likely stick with BU for another year or two before making the jump. Mike Drover
March 2016 – He’s still a few years away from playing in the NHL but Forsbacka-Karlsson is impressing Bruins staff with his progress. The 19-year-old Swede had a strong showing at the WJC in January and has tallied 19 points in 38 games with Boston University this year. Last month, teammate and fellow Bruins prospect Matt Grzelcyk even christened him ‘Patrice Bergeron 2.0’. The two-way forward has a ways to go before living up to that proclamation, but it’s another sign that JFK may have a future as an NHL impact player. Michael Boeckler
June 2015 – The Bruins have a bunch of quality prospects ahead of Forsbacka-Karlsson – many from this draft alone. So expect at least three years and likely five when it comes to wait time. Dobber
June 2015 – Forsbacka-Karlsson is a two-way center who has really turned up his game playing for the Omaha Lancers of the USHL the last two seasons. In 110 USHL games, he has recorded 86 points, 60 of those being helpers. While he does have impressive offensive talent, his passing and vision on the ice will make him a popular teammate to play with. Don’t let his offensive moves fool you though; his defensive game is just as good – if not better. A smooth skater, he looks to be a second-round projection in the 2015 Entry Draft. Zach Hopkins
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