Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson led the USHL’s Omaha Lancers in scoring in his second season with the junior hockey club. He comes with a high ceiling that could see him develop into a well-rounded NHL player down the road.
Here’s what you need to know about Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson.
Age on June 26: 18
Birthplace: Stockholm, SWE
Current team: Omaha Lancers, USHL
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 190 pounds
NHL Central Scouting rank (North American): 31
Marek’s Take: Who wants to win a draw? One of the best prospects at winning faceoffs in the draft. A good two-way player his skill set leans to defence which is the strength of his game. Comparable: Jarrett Stoll
The transition to North America
Forsbacka-Karlsson made the jump from Sweden to the USHL to begin the 2013-14 season, and he’s recorded 86 points in 110 games over two years.
The knock on Forsbacka-Karlsson is that he lacks consistency, but his 20-point improvement in 10 less games with Omaha this season is a good sign that the he’s finding his game.
The 18-year-old Swede has committed to Boston University for 2015-16, so further development on American soil only stands to help him further hone his craft as a potential two-way threat.
A USHL standout
Forsbacka-Karlsson shades on the older side for the USHL, but his time with Omaha has served him well.
The Swedish centre was named MVP for Team West at the USHL top prospects game where he recorded a goal and an assist in a 7-4 loss to Team East.
What they’re saying…
Curtis Joe of Elite Prospects on Forsbacka-Karlsson:
“A player who has worked hard at his all-around game, but needs to gain more consistency. That being said, he can be an offensively effective center; possesses a high level of hockey intelligence and plays with intensity. A smooth, yet not dynamic skater. An excellent passer; can turn a “nothing doing” play into a scoring chance.”
