Tocchet compares Canucks rookie Karlsson to Red Wings player of the past
Vancouver Canucks rookie Linus Karlsson has been making massive strides at the NHL level.
The 25-year-old has been one of the organization’s best AHL scorers over the past few years but hasn’t been able to translate that into NHL success. That’s starting to change, as he’s got four points in his last six games for the Canucks.
Karlsson is finding his role as a net-front guy who is not afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice. He was rewarded with a new contract recently and has made massive strides.
“I’m just trying to find a role to make the NHL, and right now they need a net-front guy, so I’m trying to be one,” said Karlsson after last night’s 2-1 overtime win against the San Jose Sharks.
His ability to battle in front of the net has given head coach Rick Tocchet a clear player comparable and stylistic goal for Karlsson to work towards.
“You guys probably know Tomas Holmström from the Detroit Red Wings,” said Tocchet, referencing the mid-2000s power forward. “He was a hell of a player, and he was probably one of the best net-front guys in the league for his era. He was the top of the top guys. I think that’s the goal for a guy like Karly.”
“Can you be that wirey [guy] and just control that net front? Get stuff, get those types of goals. I think there’s something there. He’s got to get stronger and another level of fitness, all those [Abbotsford] guys do. That’s just part of the maturation, but he should embrace that role because he can do it.”
Holmström was a legendary net-front battler who played 1026 NHL games, all with the Red Wings. He finished his career with 243 goals and 530 points, and a staggering four Stanley Cups.
Karlsson and Holmström share some similarities. Neither was a high draft pick; Karlsson was selected 87th overall and Holmström 257th. Both are Swedish, and they both like to score from right in front of the net.
Holmström’s career is a high bar for Karlsson to live up to, but Tocchet clearly sees similarities between the players, and it’s a goal for the young winger to strive towards.
Karlsson showed off that willingness to go to the dirty areas against the Sharks, scoring the first goal on a rebound in front.
“That’s how I scored in Abbotsford too, just try to be around the net. That’s all my goals, [they’re] from that area so I just try to be there.”
Linus Karlsson chips it in to tie it up 🐳 pic.twitter.com/O5qtQ4DhjX
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 15, 2025
Karlsson’s strong play at the end of this year should give him some momentum going into the summer and next season, where he’ll be a strong contender to make the team out of camp.