The Senators have signed another Karlsson, making him the third member of the Karlsson clan to be a part of the organization in recent years.
Ludwig Karlsson signed a two year deal with the Senators, forgoing his last two years of eligibility for Northeastern University in the NCAA to turn pro. Karlsson is listed at 6’3″, 200lbs, and he is a 22 year old Swedish winger who has played in North America for 4 years. He played in the USHL for the Green Bay Gamblers for 2 years before joining Northeastern.
He had 26 points in 32 games as a freshman before injuries held him to just 17 games last season (8 points). He had lots of interest from around the NHL, and although he will be a project, the Senators have added yet another young piece that they can use in building a winning puzzle.
Obviously, the Senators have had mixed results with guys named Karlsson. Erik has been a standout performer almost since the day he stepped foot on NHL ice and has steadily improved each season. They also drafted Mattias Karlsson in 2003, but after playing one season in Binghamton (2009-10), he opted to return to the Swedish Elite League.
Ludwig Karlsson will likely play in Binghamton to start the season, and depending on how he progresses, could see some time in Ottawa. NCAA players who are undrafted are always a crap-shoot as to what they can provide in the NHL, its just a matter of developing him properly. He has the size and skill to make an impact if he so desires.