Ducks' Leo Carlsson helped off ice at practice after collision

A few days after locking down young RFAs Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale to three-year contract extensions, the Anaheim Ducks’ young nucleus has taken a substantial hit.

Leo Carlsson, the second-overall pick in the 2023 draft, had to be helped off the ice at Ducks practice after sustaining an injury on Friday, according to Derek Lee of The Sporting Tribune. Carlsson reportedly couldn’t apply pressure on his right foot after the forward lost an edge during a 1-on-1 rush drill and collided with the boards, The Sporting Tribune's Felix Sicard relayed.

The Ducks and general manager Pat Verbeek have yet to provide an update on their prized prospect, who figured to be a significant part of the club's plans this upcoming season.

In an interview with Sirius XM radio Thursday, Verbeek confirmed that the 18-year-old would play the entire year in the NHL. On Thursday night, during a preseason showdown against the Arizona Coyotes, Carlsson had his best performance of training camp so far — posting a 65% Corsi-for percentage and a 55.65% expected goals-for percentage, skating on the team's top line alongside Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry. The Ducks ultimately lost the game 4-2.

While eyebrows were raised when the Ducks selected Carlsson over Adam Fantilli, he’s widely considered to be an exceptional prospect in his own right. The Karlstad, Sweden native was named the best junior in the Swedish Hockey League last season — leading that cohort with 25 points in 44 games — while also recording six points in seven games at the World Juniors. The hulking 6-foot-3 pivot also put up an additional five points in eight games at the World Championships last May.

The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler ranked Carlsson 10th among all U-23 players in the world, second in the Ducks organization behind Zegras.