Marcus Karlberg

November 2020 – Karlberg is back to the Allsvenskan league, this time suiting up for Vita Hasten. He has been used primarily in a bottom-six role, producing a goal and four points through 15 games. Despite his tenacious playing style, he has struggled to find his offensive touch at higher levels of play and is now finding himself in-and-out of the line-up. He continues to be a work in progress, but given his age (20) and his foundation to be a solid future role player, it is far too early to count him out. Dave Hall

January 2020 – The 19-year-old is currently skating in the SHL with his hometown club Leksands IF. After producing just under a point-per-game (16 points in 17 games) with the  U20 team, the young Swede earned himself his first promotion to the big stage. While he has yet to record a point in seven games, this is a positive step for the undersized winger’s development. The jump allows him to test the waters before gunning for a permanent and perhaps a more prominent role next season. What he lacks in size (5-8, 165 lbs), he makes up in speed and offensive talent, bringing high energy to each shift. The points should follow as he gains more reps playing with men. He has produced good to great numbers at each level during his career. Assuming he eventually signs an Entry-Level deal, expect him to take at least two or three years to be considered ready for any NHL action. Dave Hall

June 2019 – Karlberg finished 2018-19 with mixed results. He split the season by playing 13 games in the Swedish SuperElit league and 44 games in the Allsvenskan. He recorded 12 points and 11 points respectively. A higher level of competition in the Allsvenskan surely contributed to the lower numbers but that is still decent output for a 19-year-old. Karlberg should remain in Sweden for at least two more years and still needs to earn our faith as a fantasy asset. Frank Pellegrini

March 2019 – Karlberg is a quick, shifty, smaller-sized forward with good awareness and offensive ability. He lacks strength, has little net presence and struggles to win battles along the walls. This year marked the first time that Karlberg has played out of his age group. Through 44 games with Leksands IF of the Allsvenskan, he has amassed a mere 11 points. He is having trouble adjusting, but with time, he should better showcase his skillset. The odds of smaller players finding success in the NHL have always been low. The game has changed however, and with it, those odds have increased. It is too early to compare Karlberg to players such as Gaudreau or Atkinson, but his history of production indicates that anything is possible. Karlberg has 3-4 years of development ahead of him and as a result, he has no fantasy value. He could spend his entire career in the AHL or he could play a middle-six role in the NHL. In either scenario, his fantasy relevancy is limited to dynasty leagues only. Frank Pellegrini