Prospect on the Move: William Karlsson to Columbus

The Columbus Blue Jackets traded defenseman James Wisniewski and a 3rd round pick to the Anaheim Ducks for Rene Bourque, a second round pick, and prospect William Karlsson on Monday, as reported by Aaron Portzline who covers the Blue Jackets.

Karlsson was a 2nd round pick in the 2011 NHL Draft by the Ducks. Karlsson was drafted out of Sweden, and like many other prospects out of Sweden, he has great offensive upside. Karlsson also shows promise in his two-way game and is also a very fast player.

Sep 22, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Anaheim Ducks center William Karlsson (38) warms up before the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Karlsson is playing his first full season in America this year. Last season he played 9 games in the AHL and had 2 goals and 7 assists. He showed the Ducks that he can play in those 9 games and when he returned this year, he did not disappoint. Karlsson has held his own in Springfield, the Anaheim Ducks’ AHL team, and has also produced in a league that is hard to produce consistently in.

Karlsson has 7 goals and 14 assists in 34 games in the AHL this year. He has been good on the forecheck and has also created a lot of chances. It seems kind of odd that the Ducks would send Karlsson off. They do not have much depth at the center position when it comes to prospects. Plus, out of the ones the team does have, Karlsson seems like he is the top guy.

Columbus has depth at the center position with Sonny Milano and Alexander Wennberg. Fortunately for Karlsson, Milano is not playing in the AHL. Milano is in the OHL. So the addition of Karlsson adds some great center depth for the Springfield Falcons. This will help them push to stay in a spot for the AHL Playoffs.