Big news this morning from the Blue Jackets:
#CBJ recall defenseman Gabriel Carlsson from AHL’s @monstershockey: https://t.co/QLULGzBFWs pic.twitter.com/PZ3NrDPZR2
— ColumbusBlueJackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 7, 2017
Carlsson had just been assigned from Sweden to the Cleveland Monsters last week.
This was the initial review of his performance so far in Cleveland, from Elaine’s interview with Eli Mooneyham:
ES: Speaking of Carlsson, you traveled to Chicago this past weekend and were able to see him play live. Watching from home, Carlsson seems like he’s making a case for himself on the team. He seems to know how to watch a play form from the other end of the ice and is adjusting to the rink size quite well. What is your assessment of Carlsson after seeing him play live?
EM: Absolutely impressive. Carlsson will probably get to play next to Oleg Yevenko on the back line and rightfully so. He’s the right kind of defender – one that stays with his assignment and doesn’t give them room to breathe, as well as an enforcer of sorts by not letting any funny business take place in the crease. Throw in the fact that he has tremendous offensive ability in terms of pinpoint passing and a willingness to shoot the puck and I’d say Carlsson is an excellent talent who can continue to grow.
Carlsson might even be able to move up a line if his play continues like this. But for now, him and Oleg on a line together is perfect. Cleveland can really do damage with that back line.
How will Carlsson be used? Aaron Portzline suggests he is just a 7th defenseman for the upcoming weekend road trip.
Personally, I’d love to see him replace Scott Harrington in the lineup. We didn’t think Markus Nutivaara was ready, but he was able to play in the NHL right away. Maybe Carlsson surprises us.