### Ducks' Leo Carlsson Faces Olympic Uncertainty After Thigh Injury Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson is set to miss three to five weeks due to a left thigh injury that required surgical intervention. This injury, specifically a Morel-Lavallée lesion, raises concerns about his availability for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, which commence in just over three weeks. Carlsson has been a standout player for the Ducks this season, contributing significantly to the team's performance with 38 points in 29 games before his injury [https://apnews.com/article/ducks-leo-carlsson-sweden-4af067e7eea2e3233b43fb861bc944af]. ### Breakdown of the Situation 1. **Injury Details**: - Carlsson underwent surgery to address a Morel-Lavallée lesion, a rare type of degloving injury affecting the thigh [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ducks-no-1-center-leo-033040936.html]. - The recovery timeline is estimated at three to five weeks, which overlaps with the Olympic schedule [https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/ducks/story/2026-01-16/ducks-leo-carlsson-thigh-injury]. 2. **Impact on Olympic Participation**: - Carlsson was selected for Sweden's Olympic team, but his injury puts his participation in jeopardy as the games begin in 26 days [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ducks-star-leo-carlsson-3-033805902.html]. - His absence would be a significant loss for the Swedish team, given his current form and scoring ability [https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/carlsson-out-3-5-weeks-with-thigh-injury]. 3. **Team Implications**: - The Ducks, currently struggling in the league, will have to adjust their strategy without their leading scorer [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/leo_carlsson_out_three_to_five_weeks/s1_14825_43343132]. - Carlsson has been pivotal for the Ducks, leading the team in points and contributing to their offensive efforts [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/ducks_leo_carlsson_out_3_5_weeks_after_undergoing_thigh_surgery/s1_16958_43343155]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Type**: Morel-Lavallée lesions are characterized by skin and fat separation from fascia tissue, creating a fluid-filled space, which complicates recovery [https://apnews.com/article/ducks-leo-carlsson-sweden-4af067e7eea2e3233b43fb861bc944af]. - **Performance Metrics**: - Carlsson's season stats before the injury: 38 points in 29 games, leading the Ducks in scoring [https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/carlsson-out-3-5-weeks-with-thigh-injury]. - His scoring ability is crucial for the Ducks, especially as they navigate a challenging season [https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/ducks/story/2026-01-16/ducks-leo-carlsson-thigh-injury]. ### Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for Carlsson and the Ducks **In summary**, Leo Carlsson's thigh injury poses a significant threat to both his Olympic aspirations and the Anaheim Ducks' performance. The timeline for recovery is critical, as it coincides with the Winter Olympics, where his absence could impact Sweden's chances for success. 1. Carlsson's injury requires a recovery period of three to five weeks, jeopardizing his Olympic participation. 2. His performance has been instrumental for the Ducks, making his absence a considerable setback for the team. 3. The Ducks must adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge in the league without their leading scorer [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/injury-leo-carlsson-set-miss-032855477.html].