Erik Karlsson: Past News Updates ( u25b2 View most recent update )
Karlsson had one of the all-time great seasons in 2011-12 when he racked up 78 points in 81 games. He just turned 23, and even though he's coming off a major injury (torn Achilles' tendon), there's no reason not to rank him as by far the best defenseman on the draft board. After suffering the injury, it was expected that Karlsson would miss four-to-six months, but made an astounding return in just over two. He anchored the blueline in the playoffs, playing big minutes and captaining the power play once again.