Linus Karlsson

February 2024 – This season has been remarkable for Karlsson in the AHL. After averaging half a point per game in his first AHL season last year, he has taken another huge step forward this season with 27 points in 32 games. Karlsson’s improvement is not just reflected in his production but also in his advanced metrics. This season, he has boosted his goals-for percentage from an already impressive 55.5% to an outstanding 63.5%. Cedrick Blais-Turcotte

March 2023 – Karlsson has made a rather seamless transition from the SHL to the AHL. In addition to scoring 19 goals and 43 points in 60 games, he has also utilized his 6-foot-2 frame and other skills to make a difference in Abbotsford. Karlsson has shown his versatility by contributing to the powerplay, battling in the corners, deflecting shots, and earning all of his points. With fewer than 20 NHL games remaining in the season, Karlsson may have an opportunity to grab a cup of coffee in the NHL before the season’s end. If not, you can expect him to compete for a roster spot during training camp and play in a bottom-six role with some offensive potential sprinkled in. Dave Hall

June 2022 – Linus Karlsson, the SHL’s most recent Rookie of the Year, has officially signed his ELC with the Vancouver Canucks and will be joining the organization for the 2022-23 campaign. While it is likely that he spends most – if not all – of his season with the baby Canucks, a cup of coffee could be in order should injuries play their part. Dave Hall

March 2022 – With a fresh two-year deal in the SHL, Karlsson’s future as a member of the Canucks’ depth chart was unclear, at best. That narrative has swiftly changed, thanks to a stellar year with Skellefteå AIK (SHL). With 20 goals, the 22-year-old finds himself comfortably in the top five leaguewide, effectively catching the eyes of the Canucks’ brass. Reports now indicate that Karlsson will look to sign with Vancouver following his season, finally crossing the pond to join the organization on a full-time basis. Of course, having been dealt for a (now) budding middle-six player in Jonathan Dahlen, fans can now rest easy with the course of Karlsson’s development. In the short term, AHL deployment is likely the safe option. However, do not be shocked to see the versatile forward creep up in mid-season promotion talks as early as next season (2022-23). Dave Hall

May 2021 – Looking within the Canucks’ depth chart, you would be hard-pressed to find a prospect who took his game to new levels much like Karlsson did during the 2020-21 campaign. The 21-year-old blew his previous career totals out of the water, producing 20 goals and 51 points on the year, a total that has him second all-time in Allsvenskan U22 points through a single season. Coming in through a trade back in 2017, via the San Jose Sharks, it’s safe to say that he has cemented himself as a respected and important piece to the club’s prospect pool. Unfortunately, he recently made the decision to stay in Sweden, signing a two-year deal with AIK of the SHL. Assuming he plays out the entire duration of the contract, he will become a UFA which will allow him to sign to the team of his choice. For now, he is an intriguing prospect to keep tabs on but continues to be a question mark for NHL deployment in the near future. Dave Hall

December 2020 – The 21-year-old has found his sea legs after a slow start to the Allsvenskan season. His 22 points in as many contests sit seventh in the league. That mark is good for tops amongst U22 skaters. His production has been driven by a hot streak which has witnessed him score five goals and 17 points over his last 12 games. The shot is nice. The anticipation and awareness are legitimate. Yet, skating remains a serious issue. He needs to add better quickness and overall speed if he has true aspiration of becoming an NHL regular someday. Cam Robinson

March 2020 – Karlsson has found new life since a mid-January trade to BIK Karlskroga. The 20-year-old has 16 points in his last 10 games and sits top-15 in Allsvenskan scoring. With his contract up at the end of this season, there’s a reasonable chance he crosses over and helps fill the emptying centre-ice cupboard within the Canucks’ pipeline. Cam Robinson

February 2019 – Karlsson has been traded from San Jose to Vancouver for Jonathan Dahlén. The 19-year-old has struggled to replicate the offensive dominance that was his calling card in the SuperElit during the 2017-18 campaign. His squad, Karlskrona, features several SHL veteran centres who vie for time ahead of the two-way Karlsson. He’s been finding his way from the middle-six for most of the year. Karlsson boasts high-end intelligence, a great work ethic and a strong release. He’s still growing and filling into his frame, but his maturity – especially on the defensive side of the puck, is impressive. His contract is up at the end of this season, so we may see the 87th overall selection from last June in the AHL to close out 2018-19 or begin 2019-20. Cam Robinson

October 2018 – Karlsson’s production has been low out of the gate in the Allsvenskan this year. So far he’s managed just three points in the first 11 games. It’s been a bit disappointing given his team, Karlskrona HK, was relegated from the SHL to the Allsvenskan last season. It’s important to remember, however, that Karlsson spent the majority of last season playing in the SuperElit, a Swedish junior league. The Allsvenskan is still a step up in competition for Karlsson and it can be tough for an 18-year-old player to earn ice time. Karlsson remains a long term project, but he has good upside. His numbers should improve as he gains some more experience playing against men this season. Chris Legg

June 2018 – The Sharks drafted the Swedish center with the 87th pick in the 2018 NHL entry draft. They must have liked what they saw from Karlsson this season as they traded the 114th and the 145th pick to move up and draft him. Karlsson led the SuperElit, the Swedish junior league, in goal scoring. He also finished second in points behind only Jonatan Berggren, a Detroit second rounder some had ranked in the first. Karlsson got into 13 games for the SHL’s Karlskrona HK, he only posted a single assist but just playing in the SHL is a positive for an 18 year old player. Karlsson is an offensive player, he possesses a good shot, good hands and he has the size that won’t hurt his chances of developing into an NHLer. Karlskrona was relegated from the SHL to the Allsvenskan for the coming season so barring any surprises that is where Karlsson will play. It will be intriguing to see if he can continue to shine as he adapts to playing against men. Chris Legg