The Columbus Blue Jackets strengthened the undefeated Cleveland Monsters on Wednesday by sending defenseman Gabriel Carlsson to the AHL. Carlsson seemed like a favorite to make the NHL lineup as a regular going into training camp, but the former first round pick has yet to reach his potential as an NHL caliber defenseman.
It would be a bit excessive to judge the 21 year old for not being in the NHL yet, as defensemen tend to take longer to develop than forwards do. Last season was his first full year in North America, splitting time between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Cleveland Monsters.