“Erik played well at the World Juniors, and has shown improvement each year since he was drafted,” said Francis. “He has good speed and adds to our team’s organizational depth at forward.”

Karlsson, 19, spent most of the 2013-14 season with Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), totaling five goals and one assist (6 points) in 41 games. The Lerum, Sweden, native added one goal in six playoff games, as the Indians fell to Linkopings in the SHL quarterfinals. Karlsson (6’0”, 180 lbs.) also totaled 15 points (5g, 10a) in 9 games with Frolunda Jr., and represented Sweden at the 2014 World Junior Championships, totaling three assists and a plus-1 rating in seven games as host Sweden captured the silver medal. He was selected by the Hurricanes in the fourth round, 99th overall, in the 2012 NHL Draft.