Anaheim Ducks Star Leo Carlsson Faces Extended Sideline After Thigh Surgery
Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson will miss three to five weeks of NHL action. He underwent a surgical procedure in Los Angeles on Friday to address a worsening left thigh injury. This setback significantly endangers his prospects of representing Sweden at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
A Serious and Rare Injury
The surgery treated a Morel-Lavallée lesion. This is a rare type of degloving injury. In this condition, the skin and the underlying fatty layer detach from the deeper fascia. This separation creates a cavity that fills with fluid.
Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville confirmed the injury had been deteriorating. "I don't know for how long, and then I think it progressively got worse," Quenneville stated. "It was one of those things that they had to nab it when they did today."
Coach's Support and Team Resilience
Quenneville spoke after the Ducks' dramatic 3-2 shootout victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Friday night. The team rallied from a two-goal deficit in the first game of their home-and-home Freeway Faceoff series.
"I haven't heard exactly how he's doing right now, but I'm sure he's in the situation where he's going through the process and the procedure that he went through," the coach said about Carlsson. "We wish him nothing but the best, and then have a great recovery and come back and help us out."
Olympic Participation Now in Doubt
The timing of this injury creates a major complication. The Milan-Cortina Olympics commence in just three and a half weeks. Carlsson has already been selected for the Swedish national team. His recovery window now directly overlaps with the start of the Games, making his participation highly uncertain.
Fans and team officials are left wondering if the young center can heal in time for the prestigious international tournament.
Carlsson's Impact on the Ice
The 21-year-old Swede remains a crucial player for Anaheim. Selected second overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, he leads the Ducks in scoring with 44 points through 44 games this season.
His production, however, has recently slowed. Carlsson started the season strong, notching 38 points in his first 29 contests. He managed only six points in the final 15 games before his injury, a slump that may have been influenced by the developing thigh issue.
The Ducks must now navigate the next month without their top scorer. The team showed resilience in their comeback win against the Kings, but Carlsson's absence will test their depth and offensive capabilities.
All eyes will be on his rehabilitation progress. The coming weeks will determine not only his return to the NHL but also the fate of his Olympic dream with Team Sweden.
