TAMPERE, Finland -- Leo Carlsson's play at the 2023 IIHF World Championship is being watched closely by NHL scouts.
But Carlsson is doing some studying of his own.
The 18-year-old forward, who is one of the top prospects for the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, is using his experience playing here for Sweden to gauge the level of competition and to help determine how far he feels from being ready for the NHL.
And he feels close.
"No question, I have the confidence to do it," Carlsson said. "I can't say if I will do it or not, of course, but I think I can do it. Of course. I'm playing against the top guys here almost every game. When I think about it after the game it's crazy. In the games, I'm just focused on having fun out there. On the ice I'm focusing on doing my best and having a good time as well. It helps my confidence of course too.
"There's a few steps there I have to take, but it feels good."
Should he be able to make the jump in the fall, Carlsson (6-foot-3, 198 pounds) would be one of the youngest players in the NHL. That's not necessarily unchartered territory for him however.
This season, he was one of the youngest players in the Swedish Hockey League and his 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 44 games with Orebro led SHL players aged 19 and younger.
He also is the youngest player ever to get into a game for Sweden at the World Championship, at age 18 years, 136 days when he played 13:20 in Sweden's tournament opener against Germany on May 12.
"That's crazy to be honest," Carlsson said. "I haven't thought about it deeply, but it feels good of course. It means a lot. I've watched it every year as long as I remember. It's a great opportunity and it's fun to be here."
He hasn't looked like the youngest player on the roster.
Carlsson has five points (three goals, two assists) in seven games, including two goals in a 4-3 loss to the United States on Tuesday. He's played most of the tournament at center on a line with Detroit Red Wings forwards Lucas Raymond and Jonatan Berggren.
"He's just so skilled," Sweden goaltender and Minnesota Wild prospect Jesper Wallstedt said. "Such a humble kid too. You just can't know what to expect from him. He makes unpredictable moves. He's quick, he's skilled and he's smart. He sees the ice very well. It feels like he's just a step ahead in his head all the time. I love hanging out with him off the ice as well. Great guy. Just an awesome kid."
Raymond, the No. 4 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, sees much of the same.
"He's a good player. He's young and has a lot of potential," Raymond said. "I think he has every tool to be a successful hockey player. His maturity in the game and how he's able to carry the puck is great. Good size too.
presented by BioSteel for the 2023 draft. He also was No. 1 on the midterm list in January.
"I think he has proved that the whole season long," NHL Central Scouting chief European scout Janne Vuorinen said. "He played a strong season in the Swedish league. He had a strong playoffs there and now he's been a top-line center for Sweden here and playing in special situations and he's scoring some points here. I think he's proved he's a great talent at every level he's played.
"I like how he stays on the puck in close areas, close to the boards, and make plays through that. Nowadays hockey is played so much close to the boards and he's really strong there. That's a big asset for him."
Carlsson will have to wait to see if those skills translate to the NHL, but his destination will be revealed within weeks. The 2023 draft will be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, with the first round June 28 (7 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, TVAS) and Rounds 2-7 on June 29 (11 a.m. ET; NHLN, SN, TVAS).
The Chicago Blackhawks won the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery on May 8 and will have the No. 1 pick. The Anaheim Ducks have the No. 2 selection, followed by the Columbus Blue Jackets, the San Jose Sharks and the Montreal Canadiens.
"I have thought about it a little bit about it, who Columbus has and who the Sharks have," Carlsson said. "But I haven't focused on it too much, to be honest.
"It's been both a long and short journey. It's hard to describe. But now it feels fast. I've been working hard all year. I'm excited for it."
