Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - With their second selection in the sixth round of the 2022 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres have drafted center Gustav Karlsson with the 187th overall pick. Karlsson was selected from the Swedish junior league, J20 Nationell, where he plays for Örebro HK.
This past year in J20 Nationell, Karlsson played 41 games with Orebro, scoring 31 goals and adding 17 assists for 48 points. He also played five playoff games, where he contributed six points (4+2).
Karlsson also got the chance to play two games in the Swedish Hockey League this year with the Örebro parent club, but didn't add any points for his side.
In the 2021-22 season, the 6-foot-1 and 165-pound center led his team in goals and points, along with tying for second with most goals in the league. Karlsson was behind 2022 first-round pick of the Minnesota Wild, Liam Öhgren for the league lead by just two goals.
It is likely for Karlsson to return to Örebro next season, where he could compete for a roster spot at the SHL level. If not, he will play out another season at the J20 Nationell level.
Buffalo acquired the 187th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft from the Panthers in a trade that sent defenseman Robert Hagg to Florida. That pick had originally belonged to the Calgary Flames.
