Carlson is a big guy who can play a physical or finesse game and while he is not a fast skater he gets to where he is going. He has good vision and poise to run the PP and uses his booming point shot as a weapon. He possesses tremendous balance on his skates and uses that as well as his strength to punish opposition along the boards and with big open ice hits. Carlson can rush the puck or make a precise pass to start the breakout. As well as supporting his partner he also directs the play showing leadership. He displays solid defensive positioning, gap control and a good active stick. (May 2008)