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Columbus Blue Jackets: Carlsson is Underrated Star

By Michael Mallory

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 08: Gabriel Carlsson #53 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 8, 2017 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 08: Gabriel Carlsson #53 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 8, 2017 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Gabriel Carlsson was thrown into the fire last season. He only played in two regular season games before the Columbus Blue Jackets trusted him to start all five of their playoff games.

Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella has proven that he is willing to make any move that he thinks will make his team better, and one of these moves was playing Gabriel Carlsson in their series against the Pittsburgh Penguins over players with more NHL experience.

Carlsson’s Playoffs

The 20 year-old Swede had to make a big jump from the the Sweden’s elite league to the smaller ice in North America. Gabriel is a stay-at-home defenseman that is not afraid to use his body and is calm, cool and collected.

The Blue Jackets saw an even-keeled defenseman in the playoffs. Carlsson also showed that he could shrug off any mistakes that he made and still go out and continue to move the puck without worrying too much.

Carlsson was thrown into a tough spot, but he held his own against the Penguins who had arguably the most fire power in the NHL. This playoff run may have not ended the way the Blue Jackets wanted, but the young Swede was a shining light.

Carlsson’s Future

The depth on the Columbus Blue Jackets’ blue line is better than it ever has been before, but Carlsson should be able to to make an impact this season. If Ryan Murray is not traded, the young Swede will be battling with Markus Nutivarra for the sixth defensive slot.

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Nutivarra had a season that nobody outside of the Blue Jackets organization could see coming as he has shown that he can play in the NHL, but his spot on the third pairing is not guaranteed with Carlsson showing that he is able to make the jump as well.

While Carlsson and Nutivarra battle for the sixth defenseman spot, each of these players give the Blue Jackets hope. Carlsson looks to be the Blue Jackets top young defenseman behind superstar Zach Werenski. Carlsson will be a solid pro in his own right and should be a joy for Jackets fans to watch for years to come. His playoff stability showed just that.

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