Leo Carlsson Out 3-5 Weeks with Thigh Injury, Olympic Status in Doubt
The Anaheim Ducks will be without one of their most impactful players for the next few weeks. Center Leo Carlsson underwent a procedure to treat a rare Morel-Lavallée lesion in his left thigh, and he's expected to miss between three to five weeks as he recovers.
That timeline doesn’t just affect the Ducks-it puts Carlsson’s Olympic hopes in serious jeopardy. The 21-year-old was named to Sweden’s men’s hockey roster earlier this month, and with the Olympic tournament set to begin February 11 in Milan, his availability is now hanging in the balance.
Let’s break down the math here. A three-week absence would have Carlsson returning around February 6-just five days before the Olympic puck drop.
A five-week recovery? That pushes his return to February 20, with only two days left in the tournament.
That’s an awfully tight window for a player who’s expected to be a key contributor for Sweden.
For Anaheim, the loss is equally significant. Carlsson is expected to miss ten games before the Olympic break, and this comes at a time when the Ducks can’t afford to lose ground.
They’re already fighting from behind in the playoff race, sitting four points back of the San Jose Sharks for the final wild card spot. Every point matters-and losing their top center for nearly a quarter of the remaining regular-season slate is a tough blow.
Carlsson’s value to the Ducks can’t be overstated. Through 44 games, he’s posted 44 points-producing at a point-per-game pace while taking on major responsibilities at both ends of the ice. He’s been a key driver of Anaheim’s offense, and his absence leaves a major hole down the middle.
This latest injury also raises questions about his long-term durability. It’s not the first time Carlsson has dealt with lower-body issues this season.
He missed the Ducks’ final game before the Christmas break on December 22 due to a lower-body injury, then returned five days later against the Kings. The current issue is believed to be connected to that earlier setback, suggesting this may be a lingering concern rather than an isolated incident.
For now, the Ducks will have to find a way to stay afloat without their young star. And for Team Sweden, it’s a waiting game-hoping that Carlsson’s recovery timeline allows him to suit up in Milan and play the role he was expected to on the international stage.
One thing’s clear: whether it’s Anaheim chasing a playoff berth or Sweden eyeing Olympic gold, Leo Carlsson’s health is suddenly a major storyline to watch.