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Ducks coach Boudreau: 'Good chance' rookie Karlsson makes NHL debut Saturday

Ron Chenoy / USA TODAY Sport

Swedish-born center William Karlsson is likely to make his NHL debut on Saturday when the Anaheim Ducks visit the Detroit Red Wings. 

The shifty, two-way pivot led Stockholm-based HV71 in scoring last season, managing 37 points in 55 games playing against much older competition in the SHL. Those are astounding totals for a then-20-year-old forward competing in one of the toughest professional leagues in the world. 

Karlsson also maintained a high level of performance during a cup of coffee with the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League, producing nine points in nine games last season.

The young forward battled with countryman Rickard Rakell for the third-line center spot throughout training camp. And although Rakell ultimately earned the spot for Anaheim's season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, it would appear that Karlsson will get his chance on Saturday night.

At Ducks practice Friday, Karlsson centered Andrew Cogliano and Jakob Silfverberg.

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