Benoit-Olivier Groulx – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – ANAHEIM DUCKS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #2

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:44:48 +0000

Anaheim Ducks Top 20 Prospects

MONTREAL, QC - JULY 07: Anaheim Ducks pick Pavel Mintyukov shakes Gary Bettman hand during the first round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft on July 07, 2022 at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

1. Leo Carlsson - C

Probably one of the most NHL-ready players coming out of the 2023 draft, it was clear that the well-built 6’3” forward was a certainty to be selected between the 2nd and 6th overall pick this summer. But when Anaheim announced his name as the second overall pick, there was a sense of surprise in the air at Bridgestone Arena. The selection becomes less surprising when one considers that Carlsson has been playing SHL hockey since he was a wiry 16-year-old putting up 3-6-9 (G-A-P) numbers in 35 SHL games while already statistically dominating Sweden’s U20 circuit. Now ranked as Anaheim’s top prospect, Carlsson is coming off a year in which his 10-15-25 numbers in 44 regular season games had him only behind Daniel and Henrik Sedin, Elias Lindholm, and Niklas Backstrom (just barely) for the best ever season among first year draft-eligible players in Sweden’s top league pro league. He then proceeded to add nine playoff points to his totals. His season was further rounded off by another 3-3-6 and +5 numbers over seven WJC contests before checking in with 3-2-5 over eight games at the men’s WC. With an ELC in his pocket, a full-time move to North America could happen as soon as this fall.

2. Pavel Mintyukov - LW

The Ducks are surely over the moon that they were able to land a prospect of Mintyukov' caliber with the 10th overall pick in the 2022 draft. Not only does he possess an enormous amount of raw skill, but he also has an ideal frame and doesn't have any significant weaknesses. He went from playing on a high-flying, firewagon Saginaw team to a much more structured Ottawa club, finishing the season leading all OHL defenders in assists (64) and points (88) and winning the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenseman. He shines the brightest with his offensive play and boy does he shine bright, but with the right development work he could become a premiere off-puck defender as well. If he reaches his full ceiling, he will be a true number-one defenseman who logs boatloads of ice time and contributes significantly on both sides of special teams.

3. Lukas Dostal - G

Sometimes playing on a bad team — or even two bad teams — can have its advantages. Both the Ducks and their AHL-affiliate San Diego Gulls squads struggled last season, which made it easier to give more starts to their hotshot young netminder to see what he can do. As it turns out, Dostal can do a lot, even with little to work with. That's not exactly a surprise, given his prior success in Europe, but it's been strongly reinforced more recently. His stats and record last season don't tell the whole story, as he faced high quantity – many of which were high quality - shots at both levels, pulling out some heroic performances to keep games close and even steal a few wins. He's fast, flexible, and does a great job of being controlled with his movements. His mental game is sharp and focused, while also equally competitive and calm. After getting 19 NHL games last season, look for Dostal to make the permanent jump this campaign.

4. Olen Zellweger - D

When you're a small defenseman you have to be very good in multiple areas in order to be successful in the NHL. Luckily for Zellweger (and the Ducks), not only is he good in multiple areas, but he’s also flat-out exceptional in them. His ability to see the ice and read the play in front of him is almost unparalleled for his age group, and he applies that across all 200 feet of ice, whether that's breaking pucks out of his own end, carrying them through the neutral zone, or picking spots to attack offensively. He's poised under pressure but can also unleash a killer instinct. The two-time winner of the WHL’s Top Defenseman Trophy and 2022-23 CHL Defender of the Year, Zellweger is poised to step into the pros and continue standing out.

5. Tristan Luneau - D

Luneau was the first overall pick in the 2020 QMJHL draft, and it's fair to say that he didn't quite live up to those expectations in his first two years in the league. However, the foundation was always there for him to break out, and he did that in a huge way last season, exploding for a team-high 83 points in 65 games and leading Gatineau to one of the best records in the league, resulting in him being named the QMJHL Defenseman of the Year. There's so much to like about his game: his hockey sense is impressive, he has size and reach, his footwork is clean and mechanically sound, he's dangerous with the puck, and he relishes being a leader and top player on his team. There are a lot of different directions where his game can evolve from here.

6. Nathan Gaucher - C

Gaucher plays a very specific style of hockey and fills a very specific kind of role, but his value comes from the fact that he's one of the best prospects in all of junior hockey who regularly takes on that kind of workload and assignment. He's a shutdown center through and through, with everything that entails including lots of penalty killing, closing out leads late in games, taking important faceoffs, defensive matchups against the top players on opposing teams, and dishing out some snarl and physical punishment. All of it culminated in him being named the Best Defensive Forward in the QMJHL last season en route to QMJHL and Memorial Cup championships. He scored at a point-per-game clip in the QMJHL, but that won't be a big part of his game at higher levels. What Gaucher does might not be glamorous work, but he was a first-round pick by the Ducks and appeared in two World Juniors with Canada because he makes a big difference with how he plays.

7. Jacob Perreault - RW

Perrault had a choice of where to play during the 2021-22 season: stay in the AHL under the continued transfer exemption caused by COVID-19, or head back to the OHL. He chose to stay in the AHL and after a season of seemingly stalled progression you may wonder if it was the wrong choice. His raw natural ability in the offensive zone has always been apparent, especially as someone who can finish plays by getting the puck into the back of the net. The questions have always been about his all-around play and transitioning his scoring from a junior style to more of a professional style. As of right now, those questions remain unanswered. In fairness, some injury troubles and a bad team around him haven't helped. There is still untapped potential with Perreault, but the path is steeper than it was previously.

8. Jackson Lacombe - D

LaCombe's 2022-23 season ended in heartbreak, as his top-ranked University of Minnesota team was eliminated in the Frozen Four championship game by Quinnipiac. Even worse, he was on the ice for the overtime goal that sealed it. But you can't fault him for the loss, because he played his heart out, including blocking a shot with his face earlier in the game. That's not a fun way to end an NCAA career, but he is more than ready now to turn pro. Heck, he might even jump straight into the Ducks lineup, because the roster space is certainly there. He is an impressive skater, two-way contributor, fierce competitor, and natural leader, all of which are always valued in the NHL. He doesn't project as a true power play quarterback, but he'll be a guy who finds ways to produce points from the back end.

9. Tyson Hinds - D

Hinds had size and athleticism going for him in his draft year, while the other main elements of his game were still works in progress. But work on them he did, with the help of Anaheim's development staff. A season and a half later he made Canada's roster for the World Juniors, which is an impressive amount of growth for the former third-round pick. The Ducks selected him for his long-term upside, but this much growth this quickly probably surprises even them. The current package he brings is very enticing, adding much-improved puck skill and 200-foot play to his existing size and athleticism. Defensemen like Hinds eat a lot of minutes because they are so versatile. His floor is very high, and the ceiling keeps looking higher and higher as time goes on.

10. Nico Myatovic - LW

Myatovic's game is built primarily around strength and power, and he has an abundance of both. There aren't many, if any, better forecheckers in all of junior hockey. He chases after dump-ins with the momentum of a runaway freight train, and if he can't cleanly win the footrace to the puck, he's more than happy to land a crushing body check or use his long reach to disrupt the opposing defender's attempt at escaping. He's also an expert at killing penalties and defending empty net situations for similar reasons, aggressively applying pressure high in the zone and routinely forcing the puck out and down the ice. It's not like he's a black hole offensively, either. He can handle the puck well enough at full speed to contribute on the rush, and he is legitimately dangerous around the goal mouth because he does such a great job fighting to get there and then to stay there. The way he plays isn't glamorous, but he brings a lot of value to a roster, as evidenced by how much of a difference-maker he was with the Seattle Thunderbirds in their 2023 WHL championship run.

11. Carey Terrance - C

A versatile forward who brings an element of speed, Terrance plays a high energy, two-way game but has upside as a scorer. He returns to the Erie Otters this year as part of a strong, young group on the upswing.

12. Drew Helleson - D

A defense first defender who just completed his first pro year and even got in a few games with Anaheim. With his length and mobility from the right side, Helleson profiles as a steady #4-5 who can anchor a penalty kill and pair well with an aggressive offensive type. He could challenge for a roster spot this year.

13. Noah Warren - D

Recently moved to Victoriaville, the move should help Warren gain more offensive responsibility to help him round out his profile in his final junior season. The former high pick still profiles as a physical, stay-at-home type and still has top four upside.

14. Coulson Pitre - RW

A recent 3rd round selection by the Ducks, Pitre is a competitive, complementary winger. His hockey sense is a major strength and it allows him to pair well with higher skilled play drivers, as he opens up space for them. Should be a go-to offensive player in Flint (OHL) this year.

15. Sasha Pastujov - RW

The real test for Pastujov begins this coming season at the pro level. He has torched the OHL but there are still concerns over his lack of pace and overall skating affecting his transition to the next level. The upside is still high, and this season should give us an indication of how far away he truly is.

16. Calle Clang - G

Acquired from Pittsburgh in the Rakell trade, Clang got his first, small taste of the AHL last year and will continue with San Diego full time in 2023-24. He is unquestionably Anaheim’s top goaltending prospect after Dostal right now and will be given ample time to continue developing.

17. Benoit Olivier Groulx - C

Time is running out for Groulx, a former high selection and QMJHL star. He is no longer exempt from waivers and this upcoming training camp will be a huge one for him. His offensive game has yet to truly develop at the pro level, but he can still offer value as a defensively oriented checker on the bottom lines.

18. Ian Moore - D

Moore, an athletic two-way defender, has progressed well at Harvard through his first two years in college. He is returning for his junior year and the Ducks will be looking for him to take another step offensively. He still likely projects as more of a Drew Helleson-esque stay at home type.

19. Brayden Tracey - LW

This upcoming season will be a huge one for the former first round pick. A talented goal scorer, Tracey’s offensive production at the AHL level has been disappointing thus far. He has had trouble adjusting to the pace of the pro game. His days in the system could be numbered if he does not take a step forward this year.

20. Sam Colangelo - RW

Colangelo is hoping that a transfer to Western Michigan (from Northeastern) for his senior year can help him unlock his potential as a dominant two-way winger. He uses his size well to be disruptive and to protect the puck, but his on-puck play and production has remained inconsistent. He still has middle six upside.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #2 Anaheim Ducks

Derek Neumeier — Fri, 26 May 2023 13:22:19 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 2^nd (2^nd last year)

The first year in a new era in Anaheim under Pat Verbeek did not yield the on-ice step forward the franchise was hoping for. They have had three outstanding graduates from the 2019, 2020, and 2021 drafts in Trevor Zegras (9^th), Jamie Drysdale (6^th) and Mason McTavish (3^rd) respectively. First round pick Isac Lundestrom (23^rd) from 2018 has also made the club. They are joined by emerging star, Troy Terry. Verbeek began his tenure moving veterans in Hampus Lindholm and Rickard Rakell for picks including a first (Nathan Gaucher, 22^nd) and three second round picks. He has been relatively quiet since then, but likely to be active around the draft. They secured the second overall pick in the upcoming draft, and are likely to take Adam Fantilli, who would likely go first in most drafts not including Connor Bedard. That will give them a dynamite middle of the ice in Zegras, McTavish and Fantilli that will compete with any team in the league in a few years.

In addition to the second overall pick, they also have six picks in the first three rounds of the 2023 NHL Draft to add to a deep pool of prospects. That pool includes Lukas Dostal, who should graduate to the NHL next season, and represents their future in net, and one of the brightest goaltending prospects in the league. Named the best defenseman in the OHL this past season, Pavel Mintyukov, taken 10^th overall in 2022, showed number one defenseman potential. Olen Zellweger, also named defender of the year in the WHL, is looking one of the steals of the 2021 draft. He is ranked #21 on our list of top prospects and he, Mintyukov and Drysdale will be the core of their defense for years.The Ducks have many of the pieces in place to begin climbing the standings.

Pavel Mintyukov

The Ducks are surely over the moon that they were able to land a prospect of Mintyukov' caliber with the 10th overall pick in the 2022 draft. Not only does he possess an enormous amount of raw skill, he also has an ideal frame and doesn't have any significant weaknesses. He went from playing on a high-flying, firewagon Saginaw team to a much more structured Ottawa club, and while his statistical output has since slowed down the change helped him round out his game while he chases a league championship. He shines the brightest with his offensive play and boy does he shine bright, but with the right development work he could become a premiere off-puck defender as well. If he reaches his full ceiling, he will be a true number-one defenseman who logs boatloads of ice time and contributes significantly on both sides of special teams.

2. Lukas Dostal

Sometimes playing on a bad team — or even two bad teams — can have its advantages. Both the Ducks and their AHL-affiliate Gulls have struggled this season, which has made it easier to give more starts to their hotshot young netminder to see what he can do. As it turns out, Dostal can do a lot, even with little to work with. That's not exactly a surprise, given his prior success in Europe, but it's been strongly reinforced now. His stats and record on the season don't tell the whole story, as he has faced high quality and quantities of shots at both levels, pulling out some heroic performances to keep games close and even steal a few wins. He's fast, flexible and does a great job of being controlled with his movements. His mental game is sharp and focused, while also equally competitive and calm. Expect him in the NHL full time next season.

3. Olen Zellweger

When you're a small defenseman you have to be very good in multiple different areas in order to be successful in the NHL. Luckily for Zellweger (and the Ducks), not only is he good in multiple different areas, he's flat-out exceptional in them. His ability to see the ice and read the play in front of him is almost unparalleled for his age group, and he applies that across all 200 feet of ice, whether that's breaking pucks out of his own end, carrying them through the neutral zone, or picking spots to attack offensively. He's poised under pressure but can also unleash a killer instinct. The reigning WHL defenseman of the year is well on his way to a repeat of that award, and with his padded resume of big-game hockey he shouldn't be phased at all by the bright lights of the Memorial Cup.

4. Jacob Perreault

Perrault had a choice for where to play in the 2021-22 season: stay in the AHL under the continued transfer exemption caused by COVID-19, or head back to the OHL. He chose to stay in the AHL, and after a season of seemingly stalled progression it's hard to wonder if it was the wrong choice. His raw natural ability in the offensive zone has always been apparent, especially as someone who can finish plays by getting the puck into the back of the net. The questions have always been about his all-around play and transitioning his scoring from a junior style to more of a professional style. As of right now, following a setback points-wise, those questions remain unanswered. In fairness, some injury troubles and a bad team around him haven't helped. There is still untapped potential with Perreault, but the path is steeped than it was previously.

5. Nathan Gaucher

Gaucher plays a very specific style of hockey and fills a very specific kind of role, but his value comes from the fact that he's one of the best prospects in all of junior hockey with that kind of workload and assignment. He's a shutdown center through and through, with everything that entails: lots of penalty killing, closing out leads late in games, taking important faceoffs, defensive matchups against the top players on opposing teams, and dishing out some snarl and physical punishment. He does score at a point-per-game clip in the QMJHL, but that won't be a big part of his game at higher levels. What Gaucher does might not be glamorous work, but he was a 1st-round pick by the Ducks and appeared in two World Juniors with Canada because he makes a big difference with how he plays.

6. Tristan Luneau

Luneau was the 1st overall pick in the 2020 QMJHL draft, and it's fair to say that he didn't quite live up those expectations in his first two years in the league. However, the foundation was always there for him to break out, and he did that in a huge way this season, exploding for a team-high 83 points in 65 games and leading Gatineau to one of the best records in the league. They're still going strong in the playoffs and could realistically win it all. There's so much to like about his game: his hockey sense is impressive, he has size and reach, his footwork is clean and mechanically sound, he's dangerous with the puck, and he relishes being a leader and top player on his team. There are a lot of different directions where his game can evolve from here.

7. Jackson Lacombe

LaCombe's 2023-24 season ended in heartbreak, as his top-ranked University of Minnesota team was eliminated in the Frozen Four championship game by Quinnipiac. Even worse, he was on the ice for the overtime goal that sealed it. But you can't fault him for the loss, because he played his heart out, including blocking a shot with his face earlier in the game. That's not a fun way to end an NCAA career, but he is more than ready now to turn pro. Heck, he might even jump straight into the Ducks lineup, because the roster space is certainly there. He is an impressive skater, two-way contributor, fierce competitor and natural leader, and all those attributes are always valued in the NHL. He doesn't project as a true powerplay quarterback, but he'll be a guy who finds ways to produce points from the back end.

8. Tyson Hinds

Hinds had size and athleticism going for him in his draft year, while the other main elements of his game were still a work in progress. But work on them he did, with the help of Anaheim's development staff. A season and a half later he made Canada's roster for the World Juniors, which is an impressive amount of growth for the former 3rd-round pick. The Ducks selected him for his long-term upside, but this much growth this quickly probably surprises even them. The current package he brings is very enticing, adding much-improved puck skill and 200-foot play to the existing size and athleticism. These kinds of defensemen eat a lot of minutes because they are so versatile. His floor for Hinds is very high, and the ceiling keeps looking higher and higher as time goes on.

9. Drew Helleson

The 2022-23 season has been aggressively unkind to the San Diego Gulls, and a campaign like that is usually hardest on defensemen. However, lessons can still be learned through struggle, and that will be what Helleson, a rookie professional, will need to focus on. If anything, he can contrast it with the success has already gotten to experience in his career, first with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and then Boston College. Getting a taste of both winning and losing will help him better understand what it takes to achieve the former. His best attributes are his smarts, work ethic and competitiveness, and he backs them up with a reasonably well-balanced skill package. While his overall profile might not seem very exciting, any coach worthy of his clipboard will know the value of a player like this.

10. Noah Warren

Warren's story is very similar to Hinds': a big, athletic defenseman out of the QMJHL who is still a little on the raw side but could be a very special player down the road with the right training, experience and development. Getting to play on one of the best teams in the league this season is a good kickstart in some ways, though Gatineau's competition for ice time among blueliners — especially on the powerplay — isn't exactly ideal for him. Regardless, his game would always lean more to the defensive side than the offensive side in any environment, and focusing on that isn't necessarily a bad thing, since he has all the tools necessary to become an elite shutdown defender one day. Anaheim's prospect pipeline is loaded with defensive depth, so they'll give him plenty of time to round out his game as much as possible at the lower levels.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #9 Arizona Coyotes

Derek Neumeier — Mon, 22 May 2023 15:11:54 +0000

There has been a lot of losing in the desert over the years with only one playoff appearance in 11 years. That should translate to a lot of high draft picks to populate the prospect pipeline. They did have to forfeit a second-round pick in 2020 and a first in 2021, GM Bill Armstrong’s first draft in the driver’s seat. Nonetheless, development has been an issue as many high picks have just not reached their potential compared to where they were drafted. Only four graduations in Janis Moser, Matias Maccelli, Barrett Hayton, and Kevin Bahl in the last five drafts. They may all be fine NHL’ers but few home runs. 2019 11^th overall pick Victor Soderstrom has not made the leap yet and seems stagnant as a prospect.

Since Armstrong has been in charge, they have added two blue chip prospects, including the number one overall prospect on our McKeen’s list in Logan Cooley. He is followed closely by number six ranked Dylan Guenther. Last year’s 11^th overall pick, Conor Geekie ranks #49 on our list, and brings size, strength, puck skills, hands and a good shot in an intriguing package with the right development. Jan Jenik would likely have joined the graduate list in a breakout season if not for injuries. The Coyotes have 12 picks in the first three rounds of the next two drafts, 2023 and 2024. Armstrong has been busily gathering those in trades. How he deploys them may best be seen in his flipping three picks (#27, #34, #45) for the 11^th pick, in which he grabbed Geekie after getting Cooley third. He has extracted reasonable prices in moving his veterans, but how he and the organization handle the development of these promising pieces going forward will be critical if they are ever to be competitive. That is how we will know change has indeed arrived in Arizona.

TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 26: University of Minnesota Forward Logan Cooley (92) looks to break up a pass during a College Hockey game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Arizona State Sun Devils on November 26th, 2022, at Mullett Arena in Tempe, AZ. (Photo by Zac BonDurant/Icon Sportswire)

Logan Cooley

Cooley grew up in Pittsburgh during the peak of Sidney Crosby's career, and it's almost uncanny how much of the former's game has been clearly influenced by the latter. While the University of Minnesota center doesn't project to become a generational player like Sid is, his game is built around a very similar foundation: ample lower body strength and balance, excellent hockey sense, tenacious competitiveness, sublime puck skill, commitment in all three zones and an advanced maturity for how he conducts himself. There were some scouts in the industry who argued for him to be the first prospect picked in the 2022 draft, and that argument is even stronger now than it was a year ago. Arizona is trying to build things from the ground up (figuratively and literally), and Cooley is about as good as it gets for a foundational piece to build around.

2. Dylan Guenther

Guenther started his 2022-23 season in the NHL and looked right at home, scoring at a nice clip. When Arizona let him go to the World Juniors and then back to the WHL afterwards it wasn't done as a punishment — it was to let him stretch his legs a little more, add a gold medal that he didn't already have, maybe get a healthy crack at the Memorial Cup after injuries held him out last year, and come back to the NHL an even better player next year. It must feel like a punishment to all the junior-aged players he's going up against, though, because he's basically too good for this level now. He was lighting up the WHL playoffs in Seattle and barely looked like he was breaking a sweat doing it. He should enjoy the moment, because once he's back in the NHL he won't be leaving again.

3. Conor Geekie

Geekie did not seem to progress very much this season compared to last season, which is concerning when you consider the incredibly favourable situation he is in, playing on a dominant Winnipeg Ice team. With talented linemates to work with, and opposing defense spread thin with too much to handle, it should have been a feast for a prospect with such an overflowing toolbox. Instead, he blended into the scenery more than he stood out. Luckily for the Coyotes, though, there is still a ton here for their development staff to work with. His puck skills, hands and shot are all high end, and he should be able to make improvements with his skating ability and using his size and strength to bully opposing defenses in the cycle. When all the cylinders are firing for him at the same time, he's one of the scariest prospects in the country, and getting that to happen more frequently is the long-term focus.

4. Jan Jenik

It's a real shame that Jenik has battled through injury issues this season, because if he had stayed healthy he was on course to have a big breakout season in the NHL. He is one of the most well-rounded and complete players in the Coyotes organization, and it's hard to find any real faults in his game. Coaches love to send him over the boards in various situations because he's always around the puck or involved in the play, battling or thinking his way into earning copious puck touches, and when he gets to work in the offensive zone, he is very hard to contain thanks to his size, puck skill and offensive versatility. Everything about his game just screams long-term professional. Expect him to see a lot of NHL minutes next season if he is healthy.

5. Victor Soderstrom

After three seasons in North America Soderstrom has still yet to establish himself as a full-time NHLer, and questions are beginning to arise about where things are going to go with his career next. It's never a good sign when a player hits a plateau season over season in his early 20s. His mobility and hands are both still assets, but he is having trouble utilizing them in ways that make a positive difference. The offensive production isn't really coming along, and he's struggling with defending and moving pucks out of trouble. At the same time, the whole organization is going through growing pains, so further patience is needed to fully analyze the situation. The Coyotes want Soderstrom to be a key piece on their roster and will likely give him more chances to prove that he can be one.

6. Josh Doan

Doan finds himself in a truly unique situation, not just as the son of a former NHLer who was drafted by the same organization that his father starred for, but also because he is already playing in the same state that his dad helped bring hockey to for the first time. But if the built-in expectations and scrutiny created any unwanted pressure, the younger Doan certainly doesn't show its effects. If anything, he seems to relish being a future face of hockey in Arizona. His game presents a three-zone blend of skill, grit and leadership, and there is little question where he gets that from. He'll be a huge part of this organization for years to come, both as someone who can log a lot of ice time in all situations, and also as someone that can help instill a culture and identity in the locker room.

7. Maveric Lamoureux

Lamoureux missed the first half of his season due to injury, and once he was healthy joined a Voltigeurs team that has struggled to climb out of the basement of the league. But what matters most is that he's playing again, and in an important role, because he is very much a long-term project who needs as much ice time as possible if he's going to reach his full potential. It's so rare to find a prospect of this size who has this much raw skating ability, but that kind of player usually takes a long time to grow into his body and figure out the necessary small-area skill. The hope is that his reach and range will help him eventually grow into a space-dominating player who can log Top 4 minutes without having to expend as much energy as other defenders moving around the ice.

8. Julian Lutz

EHC München did a fantastic job of developing young Buffalo Sabres winger John-Jason Peterka, and the Coyotes are hoping that the same environment — which notably features a few former NHLers on the roster — will have similar benefits on Lutz. It has been a tough couple of years for the highly touted German winger, as injuries have limited his games played and, in turn, held back his growth. He possesses a high-end shot and the frame and hands to protect pucks, but the actual goals haven't materialized for him much lately because he's still working on how to get into prime shooting spots against top competition. Correcting his stiff skating stride and gaining more agility will be his main focuses moving forward, as right now it's too easy to gap up on him and neutralize him from the play.

9. Artyom Duda

Duda is a real jack-of-all trades defenseman, and already plays a very professional style of game that is responsible yet effective. He's the type of blueliner who you don't notice often, good or bad, but usually ends up with a few points on the score sheet. He's just very efficient with his puck touches, moving the play up the ice over and over with minimal mistakes, and then helping find ways to crack opposing defenses from the blueline in. It doesn't have to be exciting work, so long as it leads to more goals scored than goals allowed, which he accomplishes. He's even started slowly doing that at Russia's higher levels, too, spending about half of his 2022-23 season in his nation's top two pro leagues and holding his own. He might even have what it takes to move to the KHL full-time next year.

10. Aku Raty

The older brother of Vancouver Canucks prospect Aatu Räty, Aku isn't as purely talented as his younger sibling, but the argument could easily be made that he's a more well-rounded player. He was drafted for attributes like his forechecking, consistent effort and responsible off-puck play, but maybe there is some brotherly sharing of tips and tricks going on, because he played his way up the lineup into a Top 6 role this season and didn't look out of place at all, emerging as one of the top scorers for Ilves. After a season like that in a professional league, combined with his ability to thrive as a Bottom 6 winger, it's easy to project Räty as an eventual NHLer, with the possibility that he could become a true core piece on a team's roster. Championship teams can't be made up of entirely star players, after all.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – ANAHEIM DUCKS – Top 20 Prospects

Contributors: Brock Otten, Dylan Krill, Arlo Schulz, Eloi Biondi, Ethan Hetu, — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 17:50:18 +0000

VANCOUVER, BC - NOVEMBER 09: Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (37) is checked by Vancouver Canucks left wing Nils Hoglander (21) during their NHL game at Rogers Arena on November 9, 2021 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Mason McTavish C OHL

The 3^rd overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, Mason McTavish has proved himself worthy of the pick ever since the day he was drafted. Coming into the draft, McTavish’s draft stock had risen dramatically, and was a bit of a surprise to some when he was selected 3rd overall, but since then, he has shined and looks like a very promising prospect that will be a big part of a young Ducks future core. McTavish’s journey in the last two years has been anything but ordinary. During his draft year with the OHL shutdown, McTavish opted to go play pro in Europe in the Swiss League. During his 13 games he put up 11 points (9G,2A). After his time in Europe, McTavish was selected to play for Team Canada in the U18 WJC and had a very successful tournament with 11 points (5G,6A) in seven games. During the 21-22 season, McTavish seemed to be playing everywhere possible. Spending nine games in the NHL, three in the AHL, 29 in the OHL between two teams, 5 games in the Olympics and also played in the U20 WJC, winning gold as the captain. Two of McTavish’s best assets are undoubtedly his elite shot and puck control. McTavish’s shot has always been his best tool, finding ways to find the back of the net at every level he’s played. His blend of strength and creativity make him dominant with the puck on his stick. Being able to drive his way to the net and show little difficulty controlling in traffic. He has the hands to beat opponents one-on-one consistently. Moving into this year, McTavish will have the opportunity to take a leap into a full-time role in the NHL. - DK

2 - Pavel Mintyukov D OHL

The 10^th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Pavel Mintyukov is looking to have another big year in the OHL after having a very successful season with Saginaw, putting up 62 points (17G,45A) in 67 games. Mintyukov was one of the most diverse prospects in the NHL draft because of his unique style of play. His talent is unquestionably high-end, but the way he utilizes his tools makes some scouts think that he won’t be as effective in the NHL, and even a liability at times. His aggressive offensive game makes him dangerous with the puck on his stick, but there are times he’s over-aggressive which results in him out of position. Despite being highly talented offensively, he is still strong defensively and is able to shutdown plays with both his stick and physicality, both in the defensive zone and in transition. Mintyukov’s best assets are his offensive awareness and playmaking. He has the ability to create high danger chances consistently and he does so with great poise, never looking overwhelmed, making his ceiling very high. Going into next year, Mintyukov will play another year in the OHL and look to take a step forward to become more of a complete defenseman. He will likely be in a much better situation as well, with a much more competitive Saginaw Spirit team which will help boost his confidence. With more confidence and better players to play with, Mintyukov has the potential to become the best defenseman in the OHL this year. - DK

3 - Olen Zellweger D WHL

It was a meteoric rise to stardom for Zellweger in his draft+1 year. After being plucked in the 2^nd round by the Ducks in 2021, the undersized blueliner exploded for 78 points in just 55 games with the Silvertips and followed up with a strong performance at the IIHF under-20 tournament, earning a gold medal in the process. Perhaps we should have seen this breakout coming; Zellweger had a strong finish to his 2020-21 season and was one of the fastest risers in that year’s draft class. An effortless skater, Zellweger’s meal ticket is his escapability. His high panic threshold combined with decent vision and strong distribution skills makes him the ideal puck manager for zone exits. Zellweger can play either side of the ice with ease and took another step forward offensively last year, showing that he can be a powerplay weapon. Like many young players of his stature, Zellweger needs to improve his physical play and engage more often, not just along the boards but also in front of his net in tying up opposing forwards, for example. His positioning defensively is also still erratic from time to time, but Zellweger possesses a high hockey IQ that will allow him to learn and absorb the nuances of his position quickly. He is one of the youngest players from his draft class and oozes upside and potential. He is likely slated to return to junior for one more season in Everett. - AS

4 - Lukas Dostal G AHL

After a second consecutive strong season in the AHL, Dostal has cemented his place among the best goaltending prospects outside of the NHL. The former winner of the Urpo Ylonen award (best netminder in the Finnish Liiga), Dostal appears to be an injury/trade (of Gibson/Stolarz) away from being an NHL starter. The 6’2 netminder combines athleticism and aggressiveness to dominate the crease. He moves extremely well laterally and has excellent agility, allowing him to be aggressive in challenging shooters outside of the blue paint. This helps him to cut down angles and battle for sight lines, given that he is only “average”-sized compared to today’s ideal goaltender. He also possesses a strong glove hand that helps him to take away the upper portion of the net. At this point, Dostal has proven himself at every level outside of the NHL. He dominated the Finnish men’s league. He’s put forward two strong seasons in the AHL. He even earned his first NHL victory this past season against the Detroit Red Wings, making 33 saves in a shootout win. At this point, the only thing keeping him out of the NHL is the fact that Anaheim already has two quality NHL netminders. Knocking on the door, it’s a matter of when, not if, Dostal becomes a permanent NHL’er. His ceiling is that of one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. - BO

5 - Jacob Perreault RW AHL

Perreault’s second AHL season went much better than his first, especially when you consider that under normal circumstances, he would not have been able to play in the AHL. Still age eligible for the OHL, Perreault was able to continue to play with San Diego (along with some other OHL-eligible players) because he played in the league last year through an exception. He looked significantly more confident with the puck this past year, showing a consistent ability to drive play (with pace) thanks to his speed and skill combination. Additionally, he still has that big shot that makes him such a strong finisher (even if the 14 goals in the AHL might not suggest that). Another big difference for Perreault this year was the increase in physical intensity. He was a much more willing combatant in the corners and trying to get to the net by playing through traffic. This added physicality will most definitely help him to become an NHL player. Moving forward, Perreault will just need to continue to improve his decision making with the puck and his effort across all three zones. He earned a one game look with Anaheim last year and certainly deserves to get more games this coming season. While penciling him in as a full time NHL player in 2022/23 may be slightly optimistic, there is no doubt that he is trending in the right direction and looks like a future top six winger for the Ducks. - BO

6 - Nathan Gaucher C QMJHL

Nathan Gaucher was considered by many as the top prospect coming out of the QMJHL for the most recent 2022 NHL Draft. Without many surprises, he was selected 22^nd overall by the Anaheim Ducks. What makes Gaucher so enticing to NHL teams is not his flashy skills or finesse, but much more the little details about his game that makes him extremely projectable to the next level. Gaucher is a relentless forechecker. He uses his body in very smart ways to separate the opponent from the puck or deliver heavy checks. Gaucher pairs this physical aspect of his game with very good north-south skating. His strides are long and powerful and permit him to win a lot of races to loose pucks and to power his way through in transitions. Gaucher also possesses a great sense of anticipation for the game. He can frequently prevent plays by doing well-timed interceptions as well as some crafty passes to teammates. He played a very important role in Patrick Roy’s Quebec Remparts this season by being utilized in all situations. Gaucher’s very effective two-way game awarded him the Guy Carbonneau Award as the best defensive forward at 18 years old. Gaucher's strong two-way play also helped him secure a spot on the 2022 Team Canada squad, where he helped them win gold. Gaucher will return next season once again with a strong Quebec Remparts team where they’re expecting to make a good run.

7 - Henry Thrun D US

Henry Thrun was a fourth-round pick at the 2019 NHL draft, getting selected by the Ducks just outside of the top-100 picks. Thrun was a member of an extremely talented US National Team Development Program and has since continued his development at Harvard University. With the Crimson, Thrun has grown to be the team’s most heavily used, reliable defenseman. Thrun played nearly 25 minutes per night at Harvard last season and was by far the team’s highest-scoring blueliner. Thrun’s on-ice profile is built on a strong foundation, which is Thrun’s ability to make quick reads and turn those quick reads into simple, effective plays. On each shift, in each situation, Thrun will quickly see what he wants to do, and execute his envisioned best play without much delay or hesitation. He’s decisive, and his reliance on quick decision-making has meant that the minutes he plays are, generally speaking, safe. He’s not the sort of player who will look to flip a game on its head and take over a shift, imposing his will on an opponent. Instead, Thrun quickly accepts the current state of the game and looks to make the best possible play within his given parameters of each shift. There’s value in that approach, namely in its consistency, reliability, and overall safety. But as a number-one defenseman, which is the role he plays at Harvard, he can sometimes leave you wanting more. His scoring numbers in college were great, but his numbers rarely came as a product of his own creation, rather he piled points as a safety valve for his teammates, helping them play at their best in the offensive zone. Overall, the positives in Thrun’s game are definitely notable, and if he can continue to play his style of game, he could see himself playing in the NHL sooner rather than later, likely with a career as someone who can anchor a third pairing and contribute as a safe special team’s option. - EH

8 - Jackson Lacombe D US

One of the byproducts of the Anaheim Ducks’ stellar drafting in recent years is some highly talented prospects aren’t getting the level of attention or respect they’d likely receive were they drafted into organizations with thinner prospect pools. Jackson Lacombe might be one of those prospects, as the Ducks have such a talented crop of young blueliners that it’s easy for some to forget that Lacombe has a place in their blueline’s future as well. Lacombe was drafted near the top of the second round at the 2019 draft and has spent the three seasons after his draft selection at the University of Minnesota. Lacombe’s first year as a Gopher was uneven, but he’s really come into his own as he’s gotten some more games under his belt. The six-foot-one left-shot blueliner led all Gopher defensemen in scoring last season and has blossomed into a high-end college defenseman. Lacombe’s development has been encouraging, and the reputation he once had as a dangerous offense-first blueliner has given way to a more balanced profile as he’s rounded out the other elements in his game. Before, Lacombe’s reputation as a “dangerous” offensive defenseman extended to both teams, as he was just as likely to create a scoring chance for his teammates as he was to give way to a scoring chance for his opponents. Now, Lacombe’s game has found more balance, and he’s gotten better at utilizing his size and positioning to give defensive value. The recklessness in his game still rears its head, and that raises questions about how well he’ll fare in his own end as a pro. But the offensive talent is there, and if he can weather the storm against professional opposition, he can have an NHL career. - EH

9 - Drew Helleson D US

Drew Helleson is the sort of prospect one might easily envision playing all four years in college before making a transition to the professional game. Helleson didn’t do that, signing with the Anaheim Ducks after just his third season as a Boston College Eagle. Helleson’s eagerness to jump to the professional game speaks to his style and who he is as a prospect. As a senior, Helleson set new career-high marks in offensive production and minutes played. His stock as a prospect steadily rose, and the improvement in his overall reputation is reflected in his selection to the United States’ squad for the Beijing Winter Olympics. Helleson is a defense-first prospect, but not one that’s too outdated to have upside in the modern NHL. Despite his crease-clearing shutdown style, Helleson has two-way chops to his game. He’s a good skater, gets around the ice well, and has the mobility you want from defensemen today. He can help a team in transition and demonstrates great poise when both leading and defending against rushes. In his own zone, Helleson uses his size to stymie opposing chances and can properly diagnose a developing play and move quickly to diffuse it. His offensive style might take some time to translate to the pro game, as the safety and simplicity he provides on the defensive side of the game bleeds into his offense, leading him to be more conservative than he needs to, a trait that will hurt his productivity against talented pro defenders. Helleson is a relatively safe prospect, with the floor of a capable bottom-pairing defensive specialist. If he can work out how to contribute on offense as a pro, he can potentially become a contending team’s fourth defenseman. - EH

10 - Noah Warren D QMJHL

The 6’5” defenseman is big-bodied and plays a very defense-oriented type of game. Playing this season alongside fellow Anaheim draft pick Tristan Luneau, they both formed one of the best defensive duos in the QMJHL last season. Warren is also an excellent skater for his size, as he had one of the best results in the straight-line skating tests at the CHL top prospects combine. This combination of size, skating, and a sound defensive game made Anaheim pick him even higher than teammate Tristan Luneau. Warren should look to improve his offensive game and his decision-making for years to come. How much of his offensive potential can be unlocked? He can dazzle occasionally as a puck rusher, showing an ability to use his strong stride to lead the attack. However, there are many moments where he does not look skilled enough or poised enough to be a point producer. With Quebec this season, hopefully he can take steps forward to proving that he can be more than just a stay-at-home type. At the very least, his combination of physicality, size, and mobility should make him a #4-6 defender for the Ducks in the future. - EB

11 - Tristan Luneau

An intelligent and mobile two-way defender, the focus for Luneau will be to stay healthy this season after injuries derailed his draft year.

12- Brayden Tracey

His development in the WHL appeared to have plateaued, but his first pro season was a success. His offensive awareness makes him a strong complementary player.

13 - Sam Colangelo

A big, power winger, Colangelo is coming off of a strong sophomore season. His ability to prolong possession down low is impressive and he will be looking to take yet another step forward as a junior at Northeastern this season.

14 - Sasha Pastujov

Once established inside the offensive zone, Pastujov can be a major offensive weapon. His shot is a major asset. However, his skating still needs to be upgraded in order for him to become a top six forward at the pro level.

15- Benoit-Olivier Groulx

A competitive two-way forward, Groulx split the year between Anaheim and San Diego last season. His versatility and tenacity make him a likely bottom six forward.

16 - Calle Clang

Acquired as part of the Rakell to Pittsburgh trade, Clang is starting to look the part of a potential NHL netminder. He will look to be a starter in the SHL this season before crossing the pond.

17 - Sean Tschigerl

A speedy forward with a big shot, Tschigerl is coming off a strong season on a young Calgary (WHL) team. The focus this season will be on him to reach another level as a team leader on the Hitmen.

18 - Ian Moore

Moore is a dependable two-way defender at Harvard who shows strong defensive potential, especially because of his combination of length and mobility.

19 - Hunter Drew

Drew has emerged as a potential NHL player after improving every year of his first three pro seasons. He is very versatile with the ability to play defense and forward and brings consistent physicality.

20 - Urho Vaakanainen

Acquired in the Hampus Lindholm deal with Boston, Vaakanainen is a former first rounder by Boston who has a chance to be a solid third pairing defensive defender for the Ducks.

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: ANAHEIM DUCKS – RANK: #2 – TIER 1

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 14:58:51 +0000

Anaheim Ducks

Depth and an elite top end with top ten prospects and five in the top 55. Had Zegras and Drysdale each played even one more game, the Ducks system would only drop to the second tier, a testament to the aforementioned depth.

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 10: Anaheim Ducks Left Wing Trevor Zegras (46) in action during a game against the Los Angeles Kings played on March 10, 2021 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire)

Trevor Zegras - C

The top prospect in the sport, Zegras would have been ineligible for this list if he had played in even one additional game this past season for Anaheim. If his 13 points in 24 games NHL debut told us anything, it is that he can play in this league. His WJC MVP run (18 points in seven games for the Gold Medal winning Team USA) told us that he can dominate against the best of his peer group of U20 hockey players. His 21 points in 17 AHL games as a teenager also told us that he can dominate against men when he is given the freedom to be creative. You see, creativity is what Zegras does best. His playmaking game is among the best to come through recently, especially if you eliminate the McDavid types who create scoring chances mostly through sheer speed.

Zegras is a good skater, very good on occasion, but his edges are more impressive than his pure speed. Given a decent trigger man to play with, he could lead the NHL in assists for a good long while. Beyond that sublime skillset, he also grew as his own finisher last year, forcing opponents to respect his shooting abilities more, which in turn gives him more room to make the pass. Zegras is not only a future first line center, but he is a future All Star and Hart Trophy candidate. He will lead the Ducks back into contention in the near future. - RW

Jamie Drysdale- D

One of the top young defenders in the game, Drysdale took advantage of the opportunity to play in the AHL this year with the OHL on hiatus. An immediate impact player and top defender with San Diego, Drysdale lived up to the hype of being selected sixth overall a year ago. As such, it was not long before he got the call to Anaheim to play with the pro team and by season’s end, he was averaging well over 20 minutes per game and running the top powerplay for the Ducks.

An elite level skater, Drysdale uses his mobility to be an impact player at both ends of the ice. A high-level thinker and problem solver, he should have no problem in the defensive end as he bulks up. This was evident already this season as Drysdale looked stronger and more confident physically to handle larger pro players down low and near the crease. As early as next season, he should become a standout top four defender for Anaheim and have his name whispered in the same breath as the other top young defenders in the game like Cale Makar, Adam Fox, and Quinn Hughes. His upside remains as a top ten NHL defender and a potential Norris trophy winner. - BO

Mason McTavish - C

Coming into his draft year (which was filled with turmoil due to the OHL delay and subsequent cancellation), McTavish worked extremely hard to improve the areas of his game that scouts had identified as potential areas of weakness. His skating improved significantly, and McTavish learned to make better decisions with the puck in the offensive zone, displaying more patience and poise as a playmaker. He now possesses the confidence to wait out opposing defenses and dominate possession down low to draw in multiple defenders before dishing off. Of course, the highlight of McTavish’s game is most certainly his shot and scoring ability. Armed with a lightning quick wrist shot, McTavish is lethal from anywhere because of his release and precision. McTavish also profiles as a strong two-way center, a role that he seemed to thrive in at this year’s Under 18’s.

For these precise reasons, the Ducks made him the third overall selection this year. Given his size, strength, awareness, and improving stride, he has a chance to develop into a very difficult player to match up against and the kind of player who can provide serious versatility to his future coaches. He could slot in behind Trevor Zegras to give Anaheim a dynamic one/two punch at center, or he could play on Zegras’ wing to clear space and finish off plays. McTavish is someone who probably only needs another year at the OHL level before he is ready to make the jump to the NHL and he perfectly represents the kind of power center that NHL scouts are clamoring for in the modern era. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Jacob Perreault - RW

With the Sarnia Sting on hiatus this year, Perreault played for San Diego in the AHL, when he otherwise would have been sent back to the OHL by Anaheim in his post draft year. The 27th overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, Perreault performed admirably as an 18/19-year-old in a men’s pro league. His goal scoring production was not quite at the level one would have expected, especially considering his elite level shot and scoring instincts. However, he did show improvements in his ability to play with pace and became a more consistently engaged two-way player.

According to various reports, the “underage” players who played 20+ games in the AHL this past season will be granted special exemptions to continue in the AHL for the upcoming season. That means that unless Anaheim decides to send him back to Sarnia, his OHL days are over. Perreault will continue to work on becoming a more consistent contributor, improving his play away from the puck and his effectiveness in playing through traffic. He projects as a top six goal scoring winger who could be a lethal triggerman on the powerplay. - BO

Lukas Dostal - G

No question, Dostal has emerged as one of the top goaltending prospects on the planet. The Czech netminder was the 2019/20 Liiga goaltender of the year as a 20-year-old and then was somehow even better this past season. He had a .941 save percentage IIlves before making the jump to the AHL with San Diego, where his .916 save percentage was top five in the league as a rookie in North America. Needless to say, the Ducks have to be pretty happy with his progress at this point and are feeling pretty comfortable with the idea of Dostal being the heir apparent to John Gibson in the Anaheim crease.

Dostal is known for his aggressiveness as a netminder as he is confident in his quickness and athletic ability. He will come way out to the top of the blue paint to cut down angles and he recovers quickly to keep himself square, following the play. Due to this aggressiveness, he can be prone to some scrambling like tendencies, but he never gives up on a puck and has enough size (6’2) to take away the upper portion even when he appears down and out. It is likely that we see Dostal play another full year in San Diego as a starter before he makes the jump to Anaheim to learn from Gibson. He has the potential to be one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. - BO

Benoit-Olivier Groulx - C

The former Halifax Mooseheads standout (although he did close out his QMJHL career with Moncton) is coming off of a very successful first pro season with San Diego. He finished third in scoring for the Gulls, showing off his strong two-way abilities and high-end awareness. The competitive forward brings serious versatility to his coaches and that could allow him to move quickly through the Ducks’ system.

Groulx is the kind of player who has few weaknesses. He competes hard in all three zones. He protects the puck well in the offensive zone and has high end vision as a playmaker. He finds his way to the net and can excel through traffic. Really, the only area of his game that he has needed to improve since being drafted is his speed and explosiveness. However, his skating has definitely improved over the past few seasons, helping to explain his solid pro debut. The Ducks are a rebuilding team and competition in training camp will be fierce. While it is likely that Groulx starts the year in the AHL again, there is a chance that he could earn a spot given his versatility. His projection remains that of a middle six forward, who probably starts his NHL career in a checking line role before building confidence. - BO

Olen Zellweger - D

One of the true breakout stars at this year’s World Under 18’s, Zellweger used that platform to help him become an early second round selection by Anaheim this year. Zellweger’s calling card is his skating ability. Armed with an effortless stride and fantastic edgework, Zellweger is an extremely difficult player for defenders to pin down. He escapes the forecheck well because he takes great routes to dump ins and spins off potential checks. There is no panic to his game, and he is able to buy time and space by turning or spinning away from pressure. With his desire to push the pace, he is always looking up ice, quickly making an outlet or using his speed to exit the zone and start the breakout. Additionally, his strength on his edges and his lateral quickness allows him to walk the blueline with ease, making him such a confident and competent powerplay QB.

Where Zellweger can sometimes struggle is in the defensive end. On the smaller side (at 5’10, 174lbs), he will need to increase his physical intensity level to make him more effective at winning battles in traffic. The progression of his play in the defensive end will definitely dictate whether Zellweger becomes more of a powerplay specialist or a top four NHL defender. He will return to the WHL this year and has a chance to be one of the league’s top scoring defenders. While he may yet be a few years away from playing for the Ducks, his potential is vast if Anaheim is patient. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Henry Thrun - D

Harvard shutdown their hockey program this past season due to the pandemic, forcing Thrun to re-evaluate his options after his exceptional freshman season. Thrun decided to return to the USHL, where he spent two seasons with the USNTDP leading up to his draft year. Of course, he couldn’t return to the program, but Dubuque held his league rights, and he spent time there, working on his game, and making sure that he was in game shape to represent his country at the WJC. His time in Dubuque shouldn’t be looked at too deeply, no matter how great he was – and he was, with almost one point per game, on top of a strong, shut-down defensive game – as he had already established himself at a higher level and was only really there for the reps.

While his knack for getting on the scoresheet was not there at the WJC, he still played a critical role for the Gold Medal winners, particularly in the realm of transitioning from defense to offense. He can skate the puck out from pressure in his own end, although he looks a tad more comfortable making the D-to-D pass out of danger. He gaps very well and knows how to use his stick to generate turnovers. Thurn’s two-way game will return to Harvard this year, and frankly, he should dominate. He has all of the tools to play in a middle pairing at the NHL level, and he could get there sooner than many expect. - RW

Jackson Lacombe - D

A little under-the-radar in his pre-draft days mostly with the Shattuck St. Mary’s program, Lacombe has made several very impressive strides in the two seasons since Anaheim tabbed him with an early second round pick. Of course, if talking about Lacombe and strides, we must delve for a moment into his skating, the clear high point of his player profile. As a North-South skater, he is fine or better, better especially when we consider his frame, which is both long and broad. But more than straight-ahead speed, we need to focus on his lateral mobility. Whether with the Golden Gophers, or with Team USA at the WJC, his ability to walk the blueline laterally, evading coverage and finding seams for high-low passes, or for him to skate the puck in deeper, Lacombe has been really impressive.

This trait, with which he has grown increasingly confident in the last year, helped Lacombe increase his points production by over 50% in more than 25% fewer games. In his own end, he positions himself well, and demonstrates that he knows how to use his big frame to successfully battle for positioning behind his net. A workhorse with Minnesota, he may not have the characteristics to be a top three defender as a pro, but it wouldn’t take much in terms of additional development for Lacombe to be worthy of such a projection. He is likely to turn pro at the end of his upcoming Junior season. - RW

Sam Colangelo - RW

Normally, a freshman season like the one Colangelo just experienced would result in the player in question facing a precipitous drop in prospect rankings. His power game, so dominant in the USHL, was simply not there. He also looked like a gifted sniper before the draft, but failed to score with Northeastern, and his only goal of the year was a point-blank one-timer he nailed against Austria in the WJC, where he otherwise was used in a pure depth role, playing fewer than eight minutes per game in four of the seven games of the event.

The challenge in judging him now, is that his time at the WJC was his first bit of hockey anywhere since prior to the pandemic, and while he failed to score for Northeastern, he was able to get his shot off, putting 26 pucks on the net in his eight collegiate games. He played a little timid, more than is suitable for his style, and between the tiny sample size and the herky-jerky roster placement, he just never was able to get comfortable. Quite frankly, Colangelo deserves a mulligan for last year. Until he proves otherwise, he still projects as a middle six, all situations power winger. We just might need to wait an extra season than we had originally anticipated. - RW

Brayden Tracey - LW

Since being drafted by the Ducks in the first round, his development has really plateaued, including posting under a point per game in the WHL this past season and putting up a goose egg in the AHL. A skilled, offensive winger, he needs to get his game back on track as a full time pro this year.

Sasha Pastujov - RW

In a surprising turn of events, this 2021 third round selection turned his back on a commitment with Notre Dame to sign with Anaheim recently. It likely means that he will head to the OHL next year (where Guelph holds his rights). Pastujov is at his best when playing near the net and will look to improve his ability to play with pace in the OHL.

Ian Moore - D

A Clark Cup champion with the Chicago Steel of the USHL this past year, Moore really improved from the start of the year to the finish. A smooth skating two-way defender, he will attend Harvard this year and should be a big part of their blueline for the next few NCAA seasons.

Axel Andersson - D

Andersson is a solid puck moving defender who split the previous year between the Allsvenskan and the AHL. Acquired from Boston in the Ondrej Kase deal, Andersson will play full time in the AHL this year and projects as a potential powerplay QB.

Blake McLaughlin - LW

A talented playmaking forward, McLaughlin has improved in each of his first three NCAA seasons for the University of Minnesota. He will return for his senior year and should still be on Anaheim’s radar to sign following the conclusion of the upcoming college season.

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Top 300 Prospect Rankings

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 17:09:56 +0000

These are our final prospect ranking prior to the start of the season. As a subscriber you can download the list in an excel chart and can link to the player pages in the chart found here. As always, the rankings you see below are based on our 20-80 scouting system looking at five categories for skaters (Skating, Shot, Puck Skills, Hockey Smarts, Physicality) and six for netminders (Athleticism/Quickness/Speed, Compete/Temperament, Vision/Play Reading, Technique/Style, Rebound Control, Puck Handling). Our prospect team spent large portions of their last few months pre-COVID in the rinks, watching the players below and many others, and further work on video (Instat Hockey has been a terrific resource in recent days) before passing judgement on their future projections.

The 20-80 scouting system is meant to allow players from different leagues in different parts of the world to be compared to one another, such that grades on a player in the OHL can be directly compared to grades from an AHL player, and to grades of someone playing in the MHL.

PROSPECT CRITERIA

Players under 26 years of age as of the September 15th prior (Sep. 15, 1994) to the season in question who have appeared in less than 60 NHL games (30 for goalies) and less than 35 in any one season – or 25 last year (20 for goalies, 15 last season) are considered prospects

RANK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	ACQUIRED
1	Alexis Lafreniere	NYR	LW	19	6-1/195	`20(1st)
2	Tim Stutzle	Ott	C	18	6-1/185	`20(3rd)
3	Quinton Byfield	LA	C	18	6-4/215	`20(2nd)
4	Trevor Zegras	Ana	C	19	6-0/170	`19(9th)
5	Kirill Kaprizov	Min	LW	23	5-10/200	`15(135th)
6	Lucas Raymond	Det	LW	18	5-11/170	`20(4th)
7	Dylan Cozens	Buf	C	19	6-3/185	`19(7th)
8	Bowen Byram	Col	D	19	6-0/195	`19(4th)
9	Peyton Krebs	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`19(17th)
10	Jake Sanderson	Ott	D	18	6-1/185	`20(5th)
11	Moritz Seider	Det	D	19	6-3/185	`19(6th)
12	Jamie Drysdale	Ana	D	18	5-11/175	`20(6th)
13	Igor Shesterkin	NYR	G	25	6-1/190	`14(118th)
14	Alexander Holtz	NJ	RW	18	6-0/190	`20(7th)
15	Cole Perfetti	Wpg	LW	19	5-10/180	`20(10th)
16	Marco Rossi	Min	C	19	5-9/185	`20(9th)
17	Vasili Podkolzin	Van	RW	19	6-1/190	`19(10th)
18	Victor Soderstrom	Ari	D	19	5-11/180	`19(11th)
19	Nick Robertson	Tor	LW	19	5-9/160	`19(53rd)
20	Cole Caufield	Mtl	RW	19	5-7/165	`19(15th)
21	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	18	6-3/175	`20(11th)
22	Spencer Knight	Fla	G	19	6-3/195	`19(13th)
23	Philip Broberg	Edm	D	19	6-3/200	`19(8th)
24	Jack Quinn	Buf	RW	19	6-0/180	`20(8th)
25	Matthew Boldy	Min	LW	19	6-1/190	`19(12th)
26	Nils Lundkvist	NYR	D	20	5-11/180	`18(28th)
27	Seth Jarvis	Car	RW	18	5-10/175	`20(13th)
28	Ty Smith	NJ	D	20	5-10/180	`18(17th)
29	Grigori Denisenko	Fla	LW	20	5-11/185	`18(15th)
30	Barrett Hayton	Ari	C	20	6-1/190	`18(5th)
31	Alex Newhook	Col	C	19	5-10/195	`19(16th)
32	Thomas Harley	Dal	D	19	6-3/190	`19(18th)
33	Alex Turcotte	LA	C	19	5-11/185	`19(5th)
34	Vitali Kravtsov	NYR	RW	21	6-3/185	`18(9th)
35	Philip Tomasino	Nsh	C	19	5-11/180	`19(24th)
36	Connor McMichael	Wsh	C	19	5-11/175	`19(25th)
37	Dawson Mercer	NJ	C	19	6-0/180	`20(18th)
38	Ilya Sorokin	NYI	G	25	6-2/180	`14(78th)
39	Gabriel Vilardi	LA	RW	21	6-3/200	`17(11th)
40	Ryan Merkley	SJ	D	20	5-11/170	`18(21st)
41	Alexander Romanov	Mtl	D	20	5-11/185	`18(38th)
42	Kaiden Guhle	Mtl	D	18	6-2/190	`20(16th)
43	Samuel Poulin	Pit	LW	19	6-1/205	`19(21st)
44	K'Andre Miller	NYR	D	20	6-3/205	`18(22nd)
45	Scott Perunovich	StL	D	22	5-10/175	`18(45th)
46	Evan Bouchard	Edm	D	21	6-2/195	`18(10th)
47	Braden Schneider	NYR	D	19	6-2/200	`20(19th)
48	Juuso Valimaki	Cgy	D	22	6-2/205	`17(16th)
49	Cam York	Phi	D	19	5-11/175	`19(14th)
50	Anton Lundell	Fla	C	19	6-1/185	`20(12th)
51	Morgan Frost	Phi	C	21	5-11/180	`17(27th)
52	Owen Tippett	Fla	RW	21	6-1/200	`17(10th)
53	Albert Johansson	Det	D	19	5-11/165	`19(60th)
54	Liam Foudy	CBJ	C	20	6-0/175	`18(18th)
55	Kieffer Bellows	NYI	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(19th)
56	Arthur Kaliyev	LA	RW	19	6-2/190	`19(33rd)
57	Oliver Wahlstrom	NYI	RW	20	6-1/205	`18(11th)
58	Nils Hoglander	Van	RW	20	5-9/185	`19(40th)
59	Matias Maccelli	Ari	LW	20	5-11/170	`19(98th)
60	Tobias Bjornfot	LA	D	19	6-0/200	`19(22nd)
61	Jacob Bernard-Docker	Ott	D	20	6-0/180	`18(26th)
62	Connor Zary	Cgy	C	19	6-0/180	`20(24th)
63	Dominik Bokk	Car	RW	20	6-1/180	T(StL-9/19)
64	Ryan Suzuki	Car	C	19	6-0/180	`19(28th)
65	Dylan Samberg	Wpg	D	21	6-3/190	`17(43rd)
66	Jake Bean	Car	D	22	6-1/175	`16(13th)
67	Josh Norris	Ott	C	21	6-1/195	T(SJ-9/18)
68	Rasmus Kupari	LA	C	20	6-1/185	`18(20th)
69	Jakob Pelletier	Cgy	LW	19	5-9/165	`19(26th)
70	Drake Batherson	Ott	RW	22	6-1/190	`17(121st)
71	Jan Jenik	Ari	RW	20	6-1/180	`18(65th)
72	John-Jason Peterka	Buf	LW	18	5-11/190	`20(34th)
73	Kirill Marchenko	CBJ	LW	20	6-3/190	`18(49th)
74	Bode Wilde	NYI	D	20	6-2/195	`18(41st)
75	John Beecher	Bos	C	19	6-3/210	`19(30th)
76	Tyler Madden	LA	C	21	5-10/155	T(Van-2/20)
77	Jack Studnicka	Bos	C	21	6-1/170	`17(53rd)
78	Jake Oettinger	Dal	G	22	6-4/210	`17(26th)
79	Alex Formenton	Ott	LW	21	6-2/165	`17(47th)
80	Matthew Robertson	NYR	D	19	6-3/200	`19(49th)
81	Calen Addison	Min	D	20	5-10/180	T(Pit-2/20)
82	Ty Dellandrea	Dal	C	20	6-0/185	`18(13th)
83	Akil Thomas	LA	C	20	5-11/170	`18(51st)
84	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	18	5-10/180	`20(30th)
85	Ian Mitchell	Chi	D	21	5-11/175	`17(57th)
86	Jason Robertson	Dal	LW	21	6-2/195	`17(39th)
87	Hendrix Lapierre	Wsh	C	18	5-11/180	`20(22nd)
88	Brendan Brisson	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`20(29th)
89	Theodor Niederbach	Det	C	18	5-11/175	`20(51st)
90	Zac Jones	NYR	D	20	5-10/175	`19(68th)
91	Robert Mastrosimone	Det	LW	19	5-10/160	`19(54th)
92	Joe Veleno	Det	C	20	6-1/195	`18(30th)
93	Rodion Amirov	Tor	LW	19	6-0/170	`20(15th)
94	Jake Neighbours	StL	LW	18	5-11/195	`20(26th)
95	Julien Gauthier	NYR	RW	23	6-4/225	T(Car-2/20)
96	Justus Annunen	Col	G	20	6-4/215	`18(64th)
97	Egor Zamula	Phi	D	20	6-4/175	FA(9/18)
98	Shane Pinto	Ott	C	20	6-2/190	`19(32nd)
99	Noel Gunler	Car	RW	19	6-2/175	`20(41st)
100	Ridly Greig	Ott	C	18	5-11/165	`20(28th)
101	Jesse Ylonen	Mtl	RW	21	6-1/185	`18(35th)
102	Samuel Fagemo	LA	RW	20	6-0/195	`19(50th)
103	Mattias Norlinder	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`19(64th)
104	Olli Juolevi	Van	D	22	6-3/200	`16(5th)
105	Kristian Vesalainen	Wpg	LW	21	6-3/205	`17(24th)
106	Raphael Lavoie	Edm	RW	20	6-4/195	`19(38th)
107	Jan Mysak	Mtl	C	18	5-11/180	`20(49th)
108	Cayden Primeau	Mtl	G	21	6-3/180	`17(199th)
109	Pavel Dorofeyev	VGK	LW	20	6-1/170	`19(79th)
110	Morgan Barron	NYR	C	22	6-2/200	`17(174th)
111	Ville Heinola	Wpg	D	19	5-11/180	`19(20th)
112	Dylan Holloway	Edm	C	19	6-0/205	`20(14th)
113	Jack Dugan	VGK	RW	22	6-2/185	`17(142nd)
114	Alexander Khovanov	Min	C	20	5-11/195	`18(86th)
115	Jacob Perreault	Ana	RW	18	5-11/195	`20(27th)
116	Jake Evans	Mtl	C	24	6-0/185	`14(207th)
117	Adam Beckman	Min	LW	19	6-1/170	`19(75th)
118	Jett Woo	Van	D	20	6-0/205	`18(37th)
119	Nolan Foote	NJ	LW	20	6-3/190	T(TB-2/20)
120	Logan Brown	Ott	C	22	6-6/220	`16(11th)
121	Martin Kaut	Col	RW	21	6-1/175	`18(16th)
122	Jack Rathbone	Van	D	21	5-10/175	`17(95th)
123	Ozzy Wiesblatt	SJ	RW	18	5-10/185	`20(31st)
124	Ryan O'Rourke	Min	D	18	6-0/180	`20(39th)
125	Lukas Reichel	Chi	LW	18	6-0/170	`20(17th)
126	Jordan Harris	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`18(71st)
127	Lukas Dostal	Ana	G	20	6-1/170	`18(85th)
128	Egor Afanasyev	Nsh	RW	19	6-3/205	`19(45th)
129	Conor Timmins	Col	D	22	6-1/185	`17(32nd)
130	Lassi Thomson	Ott	D	20	6-0/190	`19(19th)
131	Eeli Tolvanen	Nsh	RW	21	5-10/175	`17(30th)
132	Kasper Simontaival	LA	RW	18	5-9/180	`20(66th)
133	Roni Hirvonen	Tor	C	18	5-9/165	`20(59th)
134	Thomas Bordeleau	SJ	C	18	5-9/180	`20(38th)
135	Benoit-Olivier Groulx	Ana	C	20	6-1/195	`18(54th)
136	Tyler Kleven	Ott	D	18	6-4/200	`20(44th)
137	Tyson Foerster	Phi	C	18	6-1/195	`20(23rd)
138	Helge Grans	LA	D	18	6-2/205	`20(35th)
139	Jonathan Dahlen	SJ	LW	23	5-11/185	T(Van-2/19)
140	Marat Khusnutdinov	Min	C	18	5-11/175	`20(37th)
141	Alexander Alexeyev	Wsh	D	21	6-3/200	`18(31st)
142	Pierre-Olivier Joseph	Pit	D	21	6-2/170	`17(23rd)
143	Topi Niemela	Tor	D	18	5-10/160	`20(64th)
144	Oskari Laaksonen	Buf	D	21	6-2/165	`17(89th)
145	Filip Hallander	Tor	LW	20	6-1/185	T(Pit-8/20)
146	Serron Noel	Fla	RW	20	6-5/205	`18(34th)
147	Martin Chromiak	LA	LW	18	6-0/185	`20(128th)
148	Shakir Mukhamadullin	NJ	D	18	6-3/180	`20(20th)
149	Mattias Samuelsson	Buf	D	20	6-3/215	`18(32nd)
150	Janne Kuokkanen	NJ	LW	22	6-1/190	T(Car-2/20)
151	Ryan Johnson	Buf	D	19	6-0/175	`19(31st)
152	Sean Farrell	Mtl	C	19	5-8/175	`20(124th)
153	Martin Fehervary	Wsh	D	21	6-1/190	`18(46th)
154	Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen	Buf	G	21	6-4/195	`17(54th)
155	Will Lockwood	Van	RW	22	5-11/175	`16(64th)
156	Isac Lundestrom	Ana	C	21	6-0/185	`18(23rd)
157	Michael DiPietro	Van	G	21	6-0/195	`17(64th)
158	Jonatan Berggren	Det	RW	20	5-10/185	`18(33rd)
159	Kevin Bahl	NJ	D	20	6-6/230	T(Ari-12/19)
160	Aliaksei Protas	Wsh	C	19	6-5/205	`19(91st)
161	Reilly Walsh	NJ	D	21	5-11/180	`17(81st)
162	Nick Abruzzese	Tor	C	21	5-9/160	`19(124th)
163	Tyler Tucker	StL	D	20	6-1/205	`18(200th)
164	Arseni Gritsyuk	NJ	RW	19	5-10/170	`19(129th)
165	Klim Kostin	StL	C	21	6-3/195	`17(31st)
166	Brayden Tracey	Ana	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(29th)
167	Joel Hofer	StL	G	20	6-3/160	`18(107th)
168	Joey Anderson	Tor	RW	22	6-0/195	T(NJ-10/20)
169	Yegor Spiridonov	SJ	C	19	6-2/195	`19(108th)
170	Sam Colangelo	Ana	RW	19	6-1/205	`20(36th)
171	Joey Keane	Car	D	21	6-0/185	T(NYR-2/20)
172	Jared McIsaac	Det	D	20	6-1/195	`18(36th)
173	Jamieson Rees	Car	C	19	5-10/175	`19(44th)
174	Ivan Morozov	VGK	C	20	6-1/180	`18(61st)
175	Rem Pitlick	Nsh	C	23	5-11/200	`16(76th)
176	Tyce Thompson	NJ	RW	21	6-0/170	`19(96th)
177	Michael McLeod	NJ	C	22	6-2/195	`16(12th)
178	Jaret Anderson-Dolan	LA	C	21	5-11/190	`17(41st)
179	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	19	6-0/165	`19(214th)
180	Antti Tuomisto	Det	D	19	6-4/190	`19(35th)
181	Brett Berard	NYR	LW	18	5-9/155	`20(134th)
182	Luke Evangelista	Nsh	RW	18	5-11/170	`20(42nd)
183	Joel Blomqvist	Pit	G	18	6-1/180	`20(52nd)
184	Joni Ikonen	Mtl	C	21	5-10/170	`17(58th)
185	Olivier Rodrigue	Edm	G	20	6-1/165	`18(62nd)
186	Lucas Elvenes	VGK	RW	21	6-0/175	`17(127th)
187	Anthony Angello	Pit	RW	24	6-5/205	`14(145th)
188	Tuukka Tieksola	Car	RW	19	5-10/160	`19(121st)
189	Declan Chisholm	Wpg	D	20	6-1/190	`18(150th)
190	Cole Koepke	TB	LW	22	6-1/195	`18(183rd)
191	Valtteri Puustinen	Pit	RW	21	5-9/185	`19(203rd)
192	Ty Smilanic	Fla	C	18	6-1/175	`20(74th)
193	Patrik Puistola	Car	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(73rd)
194	Justin Barron	Col	D	19	6-2/190	`20(25th)
195	Andrew Peeke	CBJ	D	22	6-3/210	`16(34th)
196	Michael Vukojevic	NJ	D	19	6-3/210	`19(82nd)
197	Alec Regula	Chi	D	20	6-3/200	T(Det-10/19)
198	Connor Corcoran	VGK	D	20	6-1/185	`18(154th)
199	Jeremy Swayman	Bos	G	22	6-1/190	`17(111th)
200	Pyotr Kochetkov	Car	G	21	6-1/175	`19(36th)
201	Mikey Anderson	LA	D	21	6-0/195	`17(103rd)
202	Carter Savoie	Edm	LW	18	5-9/190	`20(100th)
203	Samuel Walker	TB	C	21	5-11/160	`17(200th)
204	William Wallinder	Det	D	18	6-4/190	`20(32nd)
205	Jack Drury	Car	C	20	5-11/180	`18(42nd)
206	Emil Andrae	Phi	D	18	5-9/185	`20(54th)
207	Cal Petersen	LA	G	26	6-3/190	FA(7/17)
208	Jeremie Poirier	Cgy	D	18	6-0/200	`20(72nd)
209	Tarmo Reunanen	NYR	D	22	6-0/180	`16(98th)
210	Simon Holmstrom	NYI	RW	19	6-1/185	`19(23rd)
211	Aleksi Saarela	Fla	RW	23	5-11/200	T(Chi-10/19)
212	Anton Johannesson	Wpg	D	18	5-9/155	`20(133rd)
213	Lauri Pajuniemi	NYR	RW	21	6-0/185	`18(132nd)
214	Morgan Geekie	Car	C	22	6-2/180	`17(67th)
215	Shane Bowers	Col	C	21	6-2/190	T(Ott-11/17)
216	Sasha Chmelevski	SJ	C	21	5-11/190	`17(185th)
217	Ruslan Iskhakov	NYI	C	20	5-8/155	`18(43rd)
218	Cole Schwindt	Fla	RW	19	6-2/185	`19(81st)
219	Hugo Alnefelt	TB	G	19	6-3/195	`19(71st)
220	Nikita Okhotyuk	NJ	D	20	6-1/195	`19(61st)
221	Sampo Ranta	Col	LW	20	6-2/205	`18(78th)
222	Alexander Volkov	TB	LW	23	6-1/190	`17(48th)
223	Alexander True	SJ	C	23	6-5/205	FA(7/18)
224	John Leonard	SJ	C	22	5-11/190	`18(182nd)
225	Carl Grundstrom	LA	LW	23	6-0/195	T(Tor-1/19)
226	Dmitri Semykin	TB	D	20	6-3/200	`18(90th)
227	Cal Foote	TB	D	22	6-4/215	`17(14th)
228	Jean-Luc Foudy	Col	C	18	5-11/175	`20(75th)
229	Alex Barre-Boulet	TB	C	23	5-10/165	FA(3/18)
230	Tristen Robins	SJ	RW	19	5-10/175	`20(56th)
231	Max Gildon	Fla	D	21	6-3/190	`17(66th)
232	Nikita Alexandrov	StL	C	20	6-0/180	`19(62nd)
233	Michael Benning	Fla	D	18	5-9/180	`20(95th)
234	Justin Sourdif	Fla	RW	18	5-11/175	`20(87th)
235	Tanner Laczynski	Phi	C	23	6-1/200	`16(169th)
236	Eamon Powell	TB	D	18	5-11/165	`20(116th)
237	Kaedan Korczak	VGK	D	19	6-3/190	`19(41st)
238	Drew Commesso	Chi	G	18	6-1/180	`20(47th)
239	Nikolai Kovalenko	Col	RW	21	5-10/175	`18(171st)
240	Pius Suter	Chi	C	24	5-11/170	FA(7/20)
241	Wade Allison	Phi	RW	23	6-2/205	`16(52nd)
242	Bobby Brink	Phi	RW	19	5-10/165	`19(34th)
243	Lukas Cormier	VGK	D	18	5-10/180	`20(68th)
244	David Farrance	Nsh	D	21	5-11/190	`17(92nd)
245	Roby Jarventie	Ott	RW	18	6-2/185	`20(33rd)
246	Dmitri Voronkov	CBJ	LW	20	6-4/190	`19(114th)
247	German Rubtsov	Phi	C	22	6-2/190	`16(22nd)
248	Vitaly Abramov	Ott	RW	22	5-9/175	T(CBJ-2/19)
249	Alex Laferriere	LA	RW	19	6-0/175	`20(83rd)
250	Trey Fix-Wolansky	CBJ	RW	21	5-8/185	`18(204th)
251	Isaac Ratcliffe	Phi	LW	21	6-5/200	`17(35th)
252	Kale Clague	LA	D	22	6-0/180	`16(51st)
253	Landon Slaggert	Chi	LW	18	5-11/180	`20(79th)
254	Wyatt Kalynuk	Chi	D	23	6-1/180	FA(7/20)
255	Mikko Kokkonen	Tor	D	19	5-11/200	`19(84th)
256	Kevin Mandolese	Ott	G	20	6-4/180	`18(157th)
257	Daniil Tarasov	CBJ	G	21	6-5/185	`17(86th)
258	Evan Barratt	Chi	C	21	6-0/190	`17(90th)
259	Tyler Benson	Edm	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(32nd)
260	Yegor Korshkov	Tor	RW	24	6-4/215	`16(31st)
261	Hunter Skinner	NYR	D	19	6-2/175	`19(112th)
262	Riley Damiani	Dal	C	20	5-9/165	`18(137th)
263	Ryan McLeod	Edm	C	21	6-2/205	`18(40th)
264	Ilya Konovalov	Edm	G	22	6-0/195	`19(85th)
265	Will Cuylle	NYR	LW	18	6-3/205	`20(60th)
266	Evan Vierling	NYR	C	18	6-0/165	`20(127th)
267	Emil Heineman	Fla	LW	19	6-0/180	`20(43rd)
268	Zayde Wisdom	Phi	RW	18	5-10/195	`20(94th)
269	Hunter Jones	Min	G	20	6-4/195	`19(59th)
270	Ty Tullio	Edm	RW	18	5-10/165	`20(126th)
271	Jordan Spence	LA	D	19	5-10/165	`19(95th)
272	Dmitri Zavgorodny	Cgy	LW	20	5-9/175	`18(198th)
273	Alex Beaucage	Col	RW	19	6-1/195	`19(78th)
274	Matiss Kivlenieks	CBJ	G	24	6-2/190	FA(5/17)
275	Artyom Zub	Ott	D	25	6-2/200	FA(5/20)
276	Urho Vaakanainen	Bos	D	22	6-0/185	`17(18th)
277	Dmitri Samorukov	Edm	D	21	6-2/180	`17(84th)
278	Michal Teply	Chi	LW	19	6-3/185	`19(105th)
279	Colby Ambrosio	Col	C	18	5-8/170	`20(118th)
280	Mads Sogaard	Ott	G	20	6-7/195	`19(37th)
281	Jeremy Lauzon	Bos	D	23	6-3/205	`15(52nd)
282	Dennis Gilbert	Col	D	24	6-2/200	T(Chi-10/20)
283	Trent Frederic	Bos	C	22	6-4/215	`16(29th)
284	Lucas Carlsson	Chi	D	23	6-0/190	`16(110th)
285	Zack Macewen	Van	RW	24	6-3/205	FA(3/17)
286	Brandon Hagel	Chi	LW	22	6-1/175	FA(10/18)
287	Vasily Ponomarev	Car	C	18	5-10/180	`20(53rd)
288	Jakub Zboril	Bos	D	23	6-1/200	`15(13th)
289	Garrett Pilon	Wsh	RW	22	5-11/190	`16(87th)
290	Jeremy Bracco	Car	RW	23	5-9/180	FA(10/20)
291	Dylan Sikura	VGK	RW	25	6-0/170	T(Chi-9/20)
292	Kyle Capobianco	Ari	D	23	6-1/180	`15(63rd)
293	Sami Niku	Wpg	D	24	6-0/175	`15(198th)
294	John Farinacci	Ari	C	19	5-11/185	`19(76th)
295	Jackson Lacombe	Ana	D	19	6-1/170	`19(39th)
296	David Cotton	Car	LW	23	6-3/205	`15(169th)
297	Erik Portillo	Buf	G	20	6-6/210	`19(67th)
298	Jacob Truscott	Van	D	18	6-1/170	`20(144th)
299	Mikhail Berdin	Wpg	G	22	6-2/165	`16(157th)
300	Cam Hillis	Mtl	C	20	5-10/170	`18(66th)

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Anaheim Ducks Top 20 Prospects

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 17:58:17 +0000

This article is our final top 20 ranking of the Anaheim Duck Prospects and will be included in our McKeen's 2020-21 NHL Yearbook releasing on December 4th. For an overview of the Ducks prospect system prior to the NHL Draft please refer to Ryan Wagman's article here You can also read the review of their Draft performance versus the McKeen's final rankings here

Trevor Zegras, C (9^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Trevor Zegras makes everything look effortless. The forward spent two seasons with the USNTDP, winning a gold medal with the U.S. in the U17 WHC and a bronze in the U18 as souvenirs. This season he also played in the WJC, leading the tournament in assists with nine and was named as one of the U.S.’ top three players in the event. He also earned a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. Zegras entered Boston University as a true freshman and led the Terriers’ rookies in scoring. He is almost impossible to contain in the offensive zone and makes everything he does look easy with his excellent vision. One of his best assets is as a playmaker - he is an excellent passer and makes the puck float. He has quick hands and is always in the right place at the right time. On top of his preternatural passing ability, he is also an excellent scorer with a quick release on his shot that can fool goaltenders easily. The Ducks were suitably impressed and coaxed him off campus at the end of this first season. The NHL beckons. – JS

Jamie Drysdale, D (6^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: N/A)

It was definitely a good year for the 5-11” defender from Toronto. Internationally, he captained Canada to a silver medal at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup in the summer, and he played a regular role on route to gold at the WJC. With Erie in the OHL, Drysdale wore an ‘A’ and finished just under the point-per-game mark at 0.98, far and away the best mark by a U18 defender in the league. His skating ability is something to marvel at. Drysdale takes great routes to dump-ins and is able to transition from backward to forward stride so smoothly, rarely getting pinned in his own end. After retrieving, he takes only a few strides to hit full speed, dictating the pace. His mobility is also a huge asset working just inside the blueline, making forwards defending high look silly, allowing him to break down defensive coverage as others scramble to cover him. Drysdale also possesses terrific vision with the puck. In his own end, he always has his head up, looking up ice and can stretch the play with a breakout pass just as well as he can with his feet. – BO

Jacob Perreault, RW (27^th overall, 202. Previous ranking: N/A)

Perreault has hit the 30 goal mark the last two seasons, including scoring 39 this year in only 57 games. A natural center, he has played primarily on the wing during his junior career and is a gifted goal scorer. He projects as a top six goal scorer at the NHL level because of the quality of his shot; easily one of the best in the recent draft class. He loves to work down low, especially with the man advantage. When given an inch, he will take a mile and is aggressive in bringing the puck closer to the slot to create a better shot angle. He routinely beats goaltenders clean up high because of his quick and deceptive release. Perreault also looks to set up on the wing for one-time opportunities, where he can unleash a quick, powerful, and accurate slap shot. His hands and puck skills are very good overall, and he can create his own scoring chances in transition by attacking the middle, beating defenders one on one. He has yet to fully develop an ability to utilize his speed to be a consistent weapon, often slowing down to make cuts or to re-evaluate his options. - BO

Lukas Dostal, G (85^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

Dostal’s first full season with Ilves was a huge success story. He started the season somewhat slowly, but eventually performed at a very high level. The Czech netminder was given the Urpo Ylonen award as the league’s best goalie. He gave Ilves a chance to win every night. He is athletic with quick reactions and the ability to make the occasional desperation save. He moves quickly and effectively post to post and can make extension pad saves. He uses his stick and blocker well to deflect rebounds into the corner. He also traps pucks well into his body. He gets set quickly for initial shot attempts and reads shooters well. On high danger shots, he is often able to even anticipate shooters’ intentions and make the saves as needed. When the puck is dumped in, Dostal will go behind the net to stop the puck. He moves the puck to his teammates with firm and simple passes. Dostal is known as a hard worker who takes time off the ice to study opposing players. In the past season, he solidified his position as one of the top European goalie prospects. - MB

Benoit-Olivier Groulx, C (54^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 3)

The best compliment to Groulx’s game is his attention to detail. He does all the little things necessary to win. A mid-season trade highlighted his value, as he took a top line role in every situation right away for the contending Moncton Wildcats. Groulx was recognized as the best defensive forward in the league, while also putting up over one point-a-game. He is an excellent face-off man, great positionally in the offensive and defensive zones, a great passer and playmaker who involves his linemates expertly. The downside for Team Canada’s last cut for the WJC roster is his skating, which is just okay, and could hold him back at the highest level, especially as a center. Even so, his smarts could carry him to a very good professional career. No matter where Groulx tops out, he will be an impactful player. He will figure in the Ducks plans going forward regardless, as he has already inked his entry-level contract. The AHL is his next challenge, a test for his pro-ready game. What is certain is that he will work hard for the opportunity. If his skating improves, he should be a strong two-way center at the NHL level. - MS

Isac Lundestrom, C/LW (23^rd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

While he does not possess the scoring prowess of Rickard Rakell or the polished stability of Hampus Lindholm, both previous Anaheim first rounders from Sweden, Lundestrom is the prototypical auxiliary player, providing immense value as a compliment to a more offensive forward. Responsible and smart, he is becoming just what the Ducks envisioned when they took the centerman out of the SHL. With quiet self-confidence, Lundestrom excels in a two-way role. His skating is serviceable with plus acceleration, which plays up his swift and deceptive hands and passing game. Though he could be more of a high-octane offensive forward, he has shown a great wrist shot and a desire to have the puck in transition. The high-IQ 20-year-old shines brightest on defense, where he is willing to take - and initiate - contact to keep the puck out of danger, and leads backchecks with ferocity. He was trusted with some significant time against the opposition’s primary scoring lines with AHL San Diego, earning a 15-game trial run playing the same role. He can absolutely become a second-line two-way force alongside a more offensively-oriented player in the near future. - TD

Brayden Tracey, LW (29^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 5)

Tracey had an excellent camp in Anaheim last season, where he was one of the last players cut, which typically leads to a drop off in play when returning to Junior. Despite that, he jumped out of the gate, potting an impressive eight goals and eight assists in his first eight games back, including back-to-back hat tricks. Where Tracey showed the most growth was in driving play. Where he was often a passenger in his draft year, he was carrying his line last season, especially impressive from the wing. His ability to carry the puck and to back defenders off opened up time and space for his linemates to attack, enabled his young center to find his legs. His skating allowed for zone exits, zone entries and a high pace of play through the neutral zone. When his line was on the ice he was able to handle the extra defensive attention. His playmaking skills are underrated as he has great touch on his passes and above average vision. Tracey is still a shooter at his core and has an excellent release that enables him to score from distance, off the rush, or from a deadly one-timer. – VG

Sam Colangelo, RW (36^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: N/A)

Colangelo has NHL size and strength and is a solid skater who demonstrates the ability to make sharp cuts and looks downright deadly curling off the wall to attack the slot. He has soft hands that work well in tight spots. He was integral to the Chicago Steel’s team-wide offensive dominance, but he was not necessarily the driver. He had points in 35 of his 44 games and only once was he held off the scoresheet twice in a row, but was on a team was so deep, the opposition often focused their shutdown defenders against the a different scoring line. Furthermore, even when Colangelo would get on the scoresheet, it was not always due to his own strong work as he could go for games at a time without doing much of notice. When he is noticed, it is because he is dominating. His North-South game is still in demand in the modern speed-skill NHL, and his game meshes well with speed-skill players. He might only need two seasons at Northeastern to prove his readiness for the pros. - RW

Jackson Lacombe, D (39^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 6)

Among the biggest risers one year out from the 2019 draft class, Lacombe made a very intriguing jump from playing for Shattuck-St. Mary’s to the University of Minnesota, finishing the year on the Big 10 All Rookie team. The thing that sticks out most for Lacombe is his composure, on or off the puck. He is a very smooth skater and has a plan when exiting his own zone. By the end of his freshman season, he had surpassed the standing of 2019 first rounder Ryan Johnson on the roster and was also receiving special teams work. I expect him to take another big step forward as a sophomore while his timeline to making an impact at the professional level has seemingly moved up from 2024 to 2023 or even 2022. Between his skating, play reading, and diverse offensive tools, Lacombe is projecting as a potential second pairing defender sooner than later. - RW

Axel Andersson, D (Trade” Feb. 21, 2020. Originally: 57^th overall, 2018 [Boston]. Previous ranking: 7)

The slick-skating defender did not see his offensive potential translate into a ton of points in his first season in North America, but it did not stop the Ducks from acquiring him from the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline this season. The Bruins dealt Andersson as they are loaded on the blueline in the pipeline, and the Ducks could use another defender in the coffers. The strong Swede is a confident puck-mover and plays with an aura of control in his game. He does a great job at keeping attackers in front of him and steering them away from his goal. He hung on as an extra defenseman in the American league to start the season, which proves how his game will translate to the pros. Andersson projects as a solid positional blueliner who can chip in offensively, but more as a no-nonsense, middle-pairing, all-situations defenseman rather than a flashy star. He will be a jack-of-all-trades defender at the top level, with no true outstanding skills, but no glaring weaknesses, either. - MS

Blake McLaughlin, LW (79^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 8)

Although McLaughlin has yet to fully live up to the potential he showed in his draft year, his first two collegiate campaigns at Minnesota have been strong, if not dominant, and his sophomore season was a small step in the right direction. The play driving winger still needs to bulk up before he can be ready for the professional game, and additional consistency will also only be to his benefit. On the other hand, his play off the puck has grown more reliable, and his agility and puck handling ability have worked to make him a legit weapon offensively. He reads the play well, draws defenders to himself, and can keep opponents on their toes, dancing around them, or drawing a penalty in the attempt. There is another level that I think McLaughlin can get to as a playmaking winger, and if and when he does, he could fight for a top nine role at the highest level. Until then, we have to admit that he could be a boom-or-bust prospect. - RW

Henry Thrun, D (101^st overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

Thrun, an alumnus of the U.S. NTDP, joined the program after playing prep hockey. He is an offensive defenseman who held his own in his freshman year of collegiate hockey and was named to the ECAC All-Rookie Team. He also earned a gold medal at the U17 WHC and bronze at the U18 WJC. Harvard’s trust in Thrun’s abilities were evident by his appearance on the team’s first penalty kill unit - a big vote of confidence for a rookie. He also runs point on the power play, another big responsibility for a rookie. He has a big frame and is physical, but he needs to pump his legs to move, but he can still join in on the rush. His speed and his laser passes help him set up his teammates and are part of what makes an offensive defenseman. Thrun is a also good stickhandler but he needs to work on staying on his feet in his own zone as he continues in his development. - JS

Ian Moore, D (67^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: N/A)

Right off the bat, we know that Moore will require a great deal of patience as he develops and refines his game. Four years (one in the USHL, three in college) is the likely minimum before he turns pro, much less proves ready to play in the NHL. He is a tall defender who skates very well, both in terms of speed and agility. He likes to push the pace to get the puck into the offensive end, and he shoots from the right side as well. Also of note is that his big offensive numbers notwithstanding, his game may actually be more refined off the puck. Moore positions himself well in his own end and uses a tight gap and a good stick to wedge opposing forwards towards the boards. As much as he likes to play an offensive game, he can be prone to forcing plays and playing impatiently. The bad habits from play against lesser prep school competition will have to be ironed out of his game sooner than later. This diamond is still very much in the rough. - RW

Josh Mahura, D (85^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 10)

One of the most lethal offensive defensemen during his WHL heyday, Mahura has started to find a groove with that style in the AHL. A plus skater and a high-end puck mover, he was heating up as a top-pair defender with San Diego (seven points in the last eight games) before the AHL cancelled the remainder of the 2019-20 season. Mahura has shown some promise in transition for Anaheim in his 28 career NHL appearances over two seasons, displaying some fearlessness with the puck. What is most important in his development is just that faith and confidence, because the skill is there. In addition to his puck-moving and skating prowess, the 22-year-old plays tight gaps with more strength in man-to-man battles than his lighter frame suggests, and he has become better at shutting down passing lanes in the defensive zone. Anaheim is likely holding him back until he can play with consistency in all three zones, and if that day comes, the 2016 third rounder would make a solid bottom-four defender with offensive upside. - TD

Chase De Leo, C (Trade: Jun. 30, 2018. Originally: 99^th overall, 2014 [Winnipeg]. Previous ranking: 11)

Growing up less than 20 miles from Anaheim’s Honda Center, De Leo cheered for the Ducks as a kid. He has suited up for his childhood team twice and led their AHL team over the past two seasons. Surely, he has some satisfaction with where he has gone in his career, but at 24, his story is not quite over. One of the most complete offensive players in the system, De Leo has very quick feet and a rapid shot that is particularly effective from in tight. The lefty is not limited in strength in spite of his 5-10” frame and can effectively run a cycle or drive the net without issue. However, De Leo is not much of an option on defense and seems to play with more energy and puck-play on the wing compared to center. He has essentially been the same player for three years and, while not impossible, is unlikely to stick in the NHL long-term as much more than an injury replacement. He can be an elite quad-A player for the next ten years, but not much else. - TD

Antoine Morand, C (60^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 12)

After captaining the Halifax Mooseheads to a Memorial Cup appearance in his final QMJHL season, Morand struggled in his first pro campaign. His lack of size was a glaring issue and he shied away from competing physically for that reason, which is fairly concerning. But otherwise, the 21-year-old showed some offensive skill and decent potential as a middle-six center with AHL San Diego. Fast and smart, his agility and passing skill stand out most. Capable of carrying the puck and eluding defenders with it at top speed, he displays soft hands and excellent foot quickness to get a step on his opposition. He has been trusted with late faceoffs and protecting a lead in the final minutes of a game, which speaks to his quiet, mature demeanor. Admittedly, Morand is a very tough player to project; in certain games he will exhibit top-six scoring ability but then look invisible on the next five shifts. Finding some consistency in his raw, talented package could allow him to sneak into a top-nine role in the future with Anaheim, but his performance must first improve. - TD

Jack Badini, C/LW (91^st overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 13)

A former third round pick, Badini recently signed with the Ducks after three years at Harvard. The Connecticut native also spent two and a half years in the USHL, where he won a championship with the Chicago Steel. A center, Badini’s scoring statistics might not look so impressive, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from seeing his value. A former member of the ECAC All-Rookie team, he has seen playing time on both Harvard’s power play and penalty kill. His skating requires power strides, but he is a really quick skater. When he is on his game, his passes are powerful and crisp and he can thread them in difficult situations. His speed, plus his quick, direct passes make him a shorthanded scoring threat. He also moves around well in the defensive zone. At the next level, Badini projects as a defensive, power forward. - JS

Trevor Janicke, C (132^nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 14)

Janicke would not have made the top 15 with many other organizations, but the Ducks thin out quickly, leaving us room to talk about one of the smaller players in the system. He has a period early in the season where he looked like a potential steal, with seven points over a four game stretch, including three games against Big 10 opponents, but could not maintain that momentum as the season dragged on and he had streaks of nine and six games without points later in the year. I fact, in the 18 games he played for the Fighting Irish after 2020 kicked in, Janicke was limited to three points. Some of the cold spell was luck-related, and he still flashed the skills that saw him drafted in the first place. He is a triggerman who can also dish and has soft hands. With half of Notre Dame’s top six turning pro, he will have a bigger chance to make an impact as a sophomore. – RW

Artyom Galimov, LW (129^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: N/A)

The fourth time was the charm for Galimov, who was neglected over three consecutive drafts before the Ducks finally selected him in the fifth round this year. A hard-working, two-way winger who landed on the Russian national team radar last year, making the WJC roster, lost none of his admittedly meager scoring touch moving from the junior league (MHL) to the KHL and was named KHL rookie of the month in October. His follow up KHL campaign, now underway, is showing more of the same two-way, complimentary offense style game. Galimov is a fine skater with an impressive East-West game and good edges. His mature game, particularly his reliability on the other side of the puck and on the PK could translate well to a depth role in North America as soon as his contract expires at the end of next season. His ceiling and floor are both in bottom six roles. - RW

Bryce Kindopp, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 3, 2020. Previous ranking: 15)

Kindopp has a lot to like about his game. In Everett the total buy-in to team defense is the best in the WHL and Kindopp has been a big part of that. He is effective along the wall, both breaking up the opponent’s cycle and generating his own. He has a good release on his shot but is an effective scorer mainly because of how he positions himself and drives to the net. He is willing to pay the price to get to the net and has the size to stay there as the play progresses. He has a knack for sliding off pressure to give himself space to elevate and finish from in close. On the rush he can score but he isn’t a speedster. His skating has improved enough to get a look, but it is part of why he wasn’t drafted. The most impressive thing with Kindopp has been his steady progression, with minutes, goals per game, shots per game, and points per game having improved year over year. - VG

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – ANAHEIM DUCKS – ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 18

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 18:00:18 +0000

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks’ current NHL roster is not in a great way. Like the other California-based teams, the Ducks were pretty bad this year, finishing out of even the Play-in round, a fate reserved for only the bottom seven teams in the NHL.

For their efforts, they will pick sixth in the upcoming NHL draft, as well as whichever pick Boston ends up earning, a residual from the trade deadline maneuver that saw the Ducks acquire David Backes, prospect Axel Andersson (7^th on this list) and a 2020 first rounder in exchange for Ondrej Kase.

Fellow bottom dwellers like Los Angeles, New Jersey, Ottawa, and Buffalo had all already been knee deep in their own rebuilds, and iced rosters among the youngest in the NHL. Detroit was unique among the seven in that their own teardown was still in the early stages, with too many bad contracts playing out the string and very few players considered among the next group of competing Red Wings not yet on the active roster. Anaheim could thus be lumped in with San Jose. Neither the Ducks nor the Sharks anticipated a losing season, both hoping, if not expecting, to compete for the postseason on the backs of their respective aging cores.

In addition to rostering one of the ten most experienced rosters in the league, the Ducks were also top ten size-wise, something which one might expect to go hand-in-hand with age.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, though. Lining up alongside the greybeards like Getzlaf, the aforementioned Backes, Ryan Miler, and four other 30-somethings, there is a new young core emerging in Orange County. Former first round pick Jacob Larsson has seemingly stuck on the blueline, and the team graduated three of our preseason top five prospects – and four from the top ten, among the forwards, in Sam Steel, Maxime Comtois, Troy Terry, and Max Jones. Perhaps trade pickups Sonny Milano and Brendan Guhle, once top prospects with Columbus and Buffalo respectively, and could regain some of his old sheen and stick with the Ducks as well.

All of the above paragraph is well and good, and a testament to the scouting and development of the organization in recent years. On the other hand, with the prominent exception of the team’s top prospect, Trevor Zegras, the system is presently quite thin. In fact, Zegras alone may be the difference between where the team is currently ranked organizationally, and a spot ten or more slots further down the list.

Another notable aspect of Anaheim’s player acquisition strategy has already been hinted at above, in noting the team’s rankings in height and weight. Of the five recent graduates listed above, three are plus sized. Of the 28 prospect-eligible players currently in the system, only four are listed as under 6-0” in height. The presence of Steel (5-11”) and Zegras (a skinny 6-0”) indicate that the team is not strictly targeting height at the draft, especially not with their early picks, but with a game trending more towards speed than ever, it may also be correct to state that the Ducks may have fallen behind.

There are some pieces here who could be instrumental to the Ducks returning to contention, but without re-focusing on drafting players who can play fast – skating and puck movement – they will likely continue to flounder.

I could also go on a mini-rant about the state of the blueline organizationally – old in the NHL and little coming up the ladder with only four of the top 15 being defensemen, but that is another topic for another essay.

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 03: Boston University Terriers forward Trevor Zegras (13) takes a shot on goal during the game between Boston College and Boston University on February 03, 2020, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mark Box/Icon Sportswire)

Trevor Zegras, C (9^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 1)

Trevor Zegras is one of the best — if not the best — prospects to come out of the East region in recent years. A No. 9 overall draft pick, Zegras is living up to his draft status and then some. He makes everything look effortless.

The forward spent two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development program, playing with the U-17 and U-18 teams. He won a gold medal with the U.S. in the U17 WHC and a bronze in the U18 World Junior Championship as souvenirs. This season he also played in the World Junior Championship, leading the tournament in assists with nine in five games and was named as one of the U.S.’ top three players in the event. He also earned a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team.

Zegras entered Boston University as a true freshman and led the Terriers in scoring amongst rookies. He is almost impossible to contain in the offensive zone and makes everything he does look easy with his excellent vision. One of Zegras’ best assets is as a playmaker - he is an excellent passer and makes his passes float. He has quick hands and is always in the right place at the right time.

On top of his preternatural passing ability, he is also an excellent scorer himself with a quick release on his shot and can fool goaltenders easily. It is no surprise that Zegras was on BU’s first power play unit. The Ducks were suitably impressed and coaxed him off campus at the end of this first season. The NHL beckons. - JS

Lukas Dostal, G (85^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 14)

He is athletic with quick reactions and the ability to make the occasional desperation save. He is a very good skater with strong edge work. He moves quickly and effectively post to post and can make extension pad saves. His rebound control is another asset. He uses his stick and blocker well to deflect pucks into the corner. He also traps pucks well into his body. He gets set quickly for initial shot attempts and reads shooters well. On high danger shots, he is often able to even anticipate shooters’ intentions and make the saves as needed. When the puck is dumped in, Dostal will go behind the net to stop the puck. He moves the puck to his teammates with firm and simple passes; nothing flashy though.

Dostal is known as a hard worker who takes time off the ice to study opposing players in order to know them inside and out. In the past season, he solidified his position as one of the top European goalie prospects. As of this writing, it is possible that Dostal will remain with Ilves for 2020-21, even though he is more than ready to bring his talents to North America. - MB

IRVINE, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Benoit-Olivier Groulx #50 of the Anaheim Ducks (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)

Benoit-Olivier Groulx, C (54^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

The best compliment to Groulx’s game is his attention to detail. He does all the little things necessary to win. A mid-season trade to Moncton highlighted his value in the QMJHL as he took a top line role in every situation right away for the contending Wildcats, after taking up the captaincy for the Mooseheads in the first half of the year. Groulx won the Guy Carbonneau trophy as the best defensive forward in the league, while also putting up over a point-a-game, and it was well deserved.

Groulx is an excellent face-off man, great positionally in the offensive and defensive zones, a great passer and playmaker who involves his linemates expertly. He was perhaps the smartest player in all of junior hockey last season. The downside for Team Canada’s last cut at the World Juniors is his skating, which is just okay. His skating could hold him back, especially as a center at the highest level. Even so, his smarts, much like Carbonneau’s game, could carry him to a very good professional career.

No matter where Groulx tops out, he will be an impactful player. He will figure in the Ducks plans going forward regardless, as he has already inked his entry-level contract. The AHL is his next challenge, where he will have instant success with his pro-ready game. What is certain is that Groulx, the son of Syracuse coach Benoît, will work hard for the opportunity. If his skating improves, he will be a strong two-way center at the NHL level. - MS

Isac Lundestrom, C/LW (23^rd overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 4)

In 2018, the Ducks continued their trend of selecting Swedish players with their top pick in the NHL Draft. Following Rickard Rakell (2011), Hampus Lindholm (2012), Marcus Pettersson (2014), and Jacob Larsson (2015), Isac Lundestrom joined the fray. While he does not possess the scoring prowess of Rakell or the polished stability of Lindholm, Lundestrom is the prototypical auxiliary player; never will he be the most talented or most dangerous player on a team, but he will provide immense value as a complement to a more offensive forward.

Responsible and smart, he is becoming just what the Ducks envisioned when they took the centerman out of the SHL. With quiet self-confidence, Lundestrom excels in a two-way role. His skating is serviceable with plus acceleration, which plays up his swift and deceptive hands and passing game. Though he could be more of a high-octane offensive forward, he has shown a great wrist shot and a desire to have the puck in transition.

The high-IQ 20-year-old shines brightest on defense, where he is willing to take - and initiate - contact to keep the puck out of danger and leads backchecks with ferocity. He was trusted with some significant time against the opposition’s primary scoring lines with AHL San Diego and began a transition to the NHL in a 15-game trial run playing the same role. While his offensive ceiling is not of a top-line center, he can absolutely become a second-line two-way force alongside a more offensively oriented player in the Ducks system in the near future. - TD

IRVINE, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Brayden Tracey #56 of the Anaheim Ducks (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)

Brayden Tracey, LW (29^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 7)

If you look at Tracey’s numbers, we could understand concern. His +33 from the year before dropped to a combined -16 this season between Moose Jaw and Victoria. Both his goals per game and his points per game have regressed from his draft season as well. While this is all factual it does not provide anywhere close to the full picture of Tracey as a prospect.

In his draft year with Moose Jaw he was part of an elite group of five that all produced at an impressive rate, one of the most impressive in recent memory. Secondly, Tracey had an excellent camp in Anaheim where he was one of the last players cut which typically leads to a drop off in play when returning to Junior. Despite all of those things, he jumped out of the gate scoring an impressive eight goals with eight assists in his first eight games back, including back to back hat tricks.

Where Tracey showed the most growth was in driving play. Where he was oft a passenger in his draft year, he was carrying his line this season, especially impressive from the wing. His ability to carry the puck and to back defenders off opened up time and space for his linemates to attack and enabled his young center to find his legs. His skating allowed for zone exits, zone entries and a high pace of play through the neutral zone. When his line was on the ice, he was able to handle the extra defensive attention.

His playmaking skills are underrated as he has great touch on his passes and above average vision. Tracey is still a shooter at the core and has an excellent release that enables him to score from distance, off the rush, or from a deadly one-timer. - VG

Jackson Lacombe, D (39^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 17)

The thing that sticks out most for Lacombe is his composure, on or off the puck. He is a very smooth skater and has a plan when exiting his own zone. By the end of his freshman season, he had surpassed the standing of 2019 first rounder Ryan Johnson on the roster and was also receiving special teams work.

I expect him to take another big step forward as a sophomore while his timeline to making an impact at the professional level has seemingly moved up from 2024 to 2023 or even 2022. Between his skating, play reading, and diverse offensive tools, Lacombe is projecting as a potential second pairing defender sooner than later. - RW

Axel Andersson, D (Trade” Feb. 21, 2020. Originally: 57^th overall, 2018 [Boston]. 2019 Rank: 13 [Boston])

The strong Swede is a confident puck-mover and plays with an aura of control in his game. He does a great job at keeping attackers in front of him and steering them away from his goal. He hung on as an extra defenseman in the American league to start the season, which proves how his game will translate to the pros. Andersson projects as a solid positional blueliner who can chip in offensively, but more as a no-nonsense, middle-pairing, all-situations defenseman rather than a flashy star. He will be a jack-of-all-trades defender at the top level, with no true outstanding skills, but no glaring weaknesses, either. - MS

Blake McLaughlin, LW (79^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 10)

On the other hand, his play off the puck has grown more reliable, and his agility and puck handling ability have worked to make him a legit weapon offensively. He reads the play well, draws defenders to himself, and can keep opponents on their toes, dancing around them, or drawing a penalty in the attempt.

There is another level that we think McLaughlin can get to as a playmaking winger, and if and when he does, he could fight for a top nine role at the highest level. Until then, we have to admit that he could be a boom-or-bust prospect. - RW

Henry Thrun, D (101^st overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 12)

Harvard’s trust in Thrun’s abilities were evident by his appearance on the team’s first penalty kill unit - a big vote of confidence for a rookie. He also runs point on the power play, another big responsibility for a rookie.

He has a big frame and is physical, but he needs to pump his legs to move, but he can still join in on the rush. His speed and his laser passes help him set up his teammates and are part of what makes an offensive defenseman. Thrun is also a good stickhandler but he needs to work on staying on his feet in his own zone as he continues in his development. - JS

Josh Mahura, D (85^th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 9)

Mahura has shown some promise in transition for Anaheim in his 28 career NHL appearances over two seasons, displaying some fearlessness with the puck. What is most important in his development is just that faith and confidence, because the skill is there. In addition to his puck-moving and skating prowess, the 22-year-old plays tight gaps with more strength in man-to-man battles than his lighter frame suggests, and he has become better at shutting down passing lanes in the defensive zone.

Anaheim is likely holding him back until he can play with consistency in all three zones, and if that day comes, the 2016 third rounder would make a solid bottom-four defender with offensive upside. - TD

Chase De Leo, C (Trade: Jun. 30, 2018. Originally: 99^th overall, 2014 [Winnipeg]. 2019 Rank: 16)

One of the most complete offensive players in the system, De Leo has very quick feet and a rapid shot that is particularly effective from in tight. The lefty is not limited in strength in spite of his 5-10” frame and can effectively run a cycle or drive the net without issue. However, De Leo is not much of an option on defense and seems to play with more energy and puck-play on the wing compared to center.

He has essentially been the same player for three years and, while not impossible, is unlikely to stick in the NHL long-term as much more than an injury replacement. He can be an elite quad-A player for the next ten years, but not much else. - TD

Antoine Morand, C (60^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 13)

Fast and smart, his agility and passing skill stand out most. Capable of carrying the puck and eluding defenders with it at top speed, he displays soft hands and excellent foot quickness to get a step on his opposition. He has been trusted with late faceoffs and protecting a lead in the final minutes of a game, which speaks to his quiet, mature demeanor.

Admittedly, Morand is a very tough player to project; in certain games he will exhibit top-six scoring ability but then look invisible on the next five shifts. Finding some consistency in his raw, talented package could allow him to sneak into a top-nine role in the future with Anaheim, but his performance must first improve. - TD

Jack Badini, C/LW (91^st overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 18)

A center, Badini’s scoring statistics might not look so impressive, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from seeing his value. A former member of the ECAC All-Rookie team, he has seen playing time on both Harvard’s power play and penalty kill. His skating requires power strides, but he is a really quick skater.

When he is on his game, his passes are powerful and crisp, and he can thread them in difficult situations. His speed, plus his quick, direct passes make him a shorthanded scoring threat. He also moves around well in the defensive zone. At the next level, Badini projects as a defensive, power forward. - JS

Trevor Janicke, C (132^nd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 11)

Janicke would not have made the top 15 with many other organizations, but the Ducks thin out quickly, leaving us room to talk about one of the smaller players in the system. He had a period early in the season where he looked like a potential steal, with seven points over a four game stretch, including three games against Big 10 opponents, but could not maintain that momentum as the season dragged on and he had streaks of nine and six games without points later in the year.

In fact, in the 18 games he played for the Fighting Irish after 2020 kicked in, Janicke was limited to three points. Some of the cold spell was luck-related, and he still flashed the skills that saw him drafted in the first place. He is a triggerman who can also dish and has soft hands. With half of Notre Dame’s top six turning pro, he will have a bigger chance to make an impact as a sophomore. - RW

Bryce Kindopp, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 3, 2020. 2019 Rank: IE)

Kindopp has a lot to like about his game. In Everett the total buy-in to team defense is the best in the WHL and Kindopp has been a big part of that.

He is effective along the wall, both breaking up the opponent’s cycle and generating his own. He has a good release on his shot but is an effective scorer mainly because of how he positions himself and drives to the net. He is willing to pay the price to get to the net and has the size to stay there as the play progresses. He has a knack for sliding off pressure to give himself space to elevate and finish from in close.

On the rush he can score but he isn’t a speedster. His skating has improved enough to get a look, but it is part of why he wasn’t drafted. The most impressive thing with Kindopp has been his steady progression, with minutes, goals per game, shots per game, and points per game having improved year over year. - VG

QMJHL 2019-20 Season Preview: Early returns show parity, competition at top of standings

Mike Sanderson — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 13:01:36 +0000

Sorry, QMJHL friends, but the penthouse is overbooked.

Five teams have won four or more games to start this young 2019-20 season, and all five of those teams are within two points of each other.

The defending champion Rouyn-Noranda Huskies would not likely be anyone’s top pick as the best team for a second year, with all the movement of players this past summer. Missing stalwarts like Joël Teasdale, Félix Bibeau, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, Peter Abbandonato and, for the moment, Noah Dobson has not slowed the Memorial Cup titleholders this season, as Vincent Marleau is tied for the league lead in points and Tyler Hinam has made huge strides in his game.

Netminder Zachary Emond has lost his first regulation game in over a season this year, but he has been solid with a 5-1 record to lead all goalies in wins.

While one would be remiss to expect that hot play to continue, the Huskies are at the top of the heap once more as the season rumbles into its third week. A repeat of their 59-win season of a year ago seems unlikely, as they will look to maximize return of their remaining current assets for future gains, but they can get the accolades while they are hot.

More expectedly in the Western Conference, the Sherbrooke Phoenix are in second place. The Phoenix boast an older lineup and the league’s top drafted player from last June’s NHL entry draft in Sam Poulin, who is looking to build on a strong first camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

His ability to take over a game at the left wing position and shut a team up or shut them down has been chronicled a lot with his strong playoff last season, and the Phoenix are looking to form their team around their captain’s strengths as they look poised to break team records for their best season in franchise history.

Alexis Lafreniere

Out east, the top three teams boast one potential surprise and two predicted top teams – the Rimouski Oceanic, the Cape Breton Eagles and the Charlottetown Islanders.

Rimouski enters the year with the most pressure to salvage results out of this season than any other team in the entirety of the Canadian junior league. They have potential top pick Alexis Lafrenière for this season and likely no more, and will attempt to build a contender around their wunderkind for a third season in a row. Last year, they were swept in the third round, and their regular season results will not matter this year. They have considerable pressure to be a contender this year, or the Lafrenière-led team will be considered a failure.

Lafrenière already has four multi-point games in his five games played so far this season. He has not skipped a beat. They also boast a strong starting goalie in Colten Ellis, and good offensive depth around the prodigal right winger, but their defence corps at this point is worse than last season’s edition, and Serge Beausoleil will feel the pressure to make moves at Christmas time to form a strong unit.

The Eagles are no longer Screaming, but they will provide plenty of emotions for their fans this year in Cape Breton. New ownership, a new coach in Jake Grimes, and a new outlook gives new life to one of the deepest teams in the QMJHL. While the team is lacking in top-end talent, they have plenty to be excited about throughout the lineup in forwards Mathias Laferrière, Shawn Boudrias and the impeccably named Ivan Ivan.

The team is lacking in a top star up front and a top defenceman on the back end, but the market is there for both of those holes, and they have a great goalie in Ottawa prospect Kevin Mandolese. A possible strong defender is still on the shelf, as overager Antoine Crête-Belzile is still recovering from post-concussion symptoms from a knock late last season.

Charlottetown is always in the mix as long as coach Jim Hulton is in the fold, and this season is no exception. The Islanders may not stay in this position all season long, but they have one of the best goalies in the league in Matt Welsh, who can steal games by himself, and a team that always stays committed to the game plan. Xavier Bernard on the back end is no slouch, and neither is the solid pivot Nikita Alexandrov.

The league’s best potential team is just behind the big five in Chicoutimi. The Saguenéens are in the best position to be contenders this season – a good mix of veterans, a very strong young core of Hendrix Lapierre, Théo Rochette and William Dufour, and three first round picks to make moves if they choose.

Of course, since many of their core players will not age out next season, they can choose which year in the next couple they want to load up their team.

If they choose this season, they have captain Harvey-Pinard and Ethan Crossman up front with Memorial Cup experience, an underrated goaltender in Alexis Shank and a solid-if-unspectacular defence group led by Artemi Knyazev. The Sags have a lot going for them this season, and the world is their oyster in terms of what they choose to do.

Another potential contending team is in Moncton, as the Wildcats made a move in the summer to set themselves up for a run this season. They acquired goaltender Olivier Rodrigue to start games for them this season, and the 19-year-old is likely AHL bound after the season. This turns this season into an important one for the Wildcats, who lost Jeremy McKenna and Jonathan Aspirot to pro contracts.

There is a chance they may receive both players back from their pro teams, but even with the veteran boosts, the Wildcats are still missing an impact defender to be a true contender. That blueliner could be Boston Bruins pick Axel Andersson, who is in limbo in Providence, but until he is physically in the uniform, no one knows for sure.

The draft this June will be interesting for another New Brunswick team: the Saint John Sea Dogs. The Dogs are the most polarizing team to predict this season, as they have many young potential stars in their lineup, but their core is still very young. Last season’s youngest team in the CHL is still wet-behind-the-ears, but the talent in undeniable, led by blueliner Jérémie Poirier.

Poirier will lead a defence corps with five 17-year-olds in the fold, including fellow draft prospects William Villeneuve, Joona Lehmus and Charlie Desroches. Up front, Josh Lawrence and Brady Burns return and along with Alex Drover and Dawson Stairs taking important roles, all at 17, they look to be setting themselves up for a bright run. Joshua Roy, the league’s top pick in the Q draft in June, is also on the team, taking a regular shift and having an impact in his first year in the league.

The Sea Dogs could catch lightning in a bottle or could crash and burn in their inexperience, but will provide must watch attention for draft watchers trying to catch the next NHL players from the QMJHL.

Last season’s Memorial Cup hosts in Halifax are not the team they were last season. This year, they are more of a one-line unit than a fleshed out juggernaut, led by forwards Benoît-Olivier Groulx, Raphaël Lavoie and Maxim Trepanier.

Jared McIsaac starts the year on the shelf for a considerable amount of time, leaving potential first rounder Justin Barron as the undisputed number one defender on the unit; a huge boon to his development. It is not the start new head coach Jean-Jacques Daigneault would have hoped for in taking the job, but he could really make a name for himself as a coach if Barron thrives in this environment.

It is expected that the Mooseheads will make some moves for the future during the mid-season trading period in which they kiss any or all of Lavoie, Trepanier, Groulx and McIsaac goodbye, which would dramatically alter the skills of this team in the second half.

Also looking ahead to the future is the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, who saw the fruits of their building labors tumble and sputter in a first-round upset to Moncton last spring. Nathan Légaré and Gabriel Fortier could be available to the highest bidder as the Drakkar hope to begin anew with a new coach in Jon Goyens, who has an excellent record of development at the midget level.

Goyens’s Lac-Saint-Louis teams have a reputation for producing many QMJHL players and pros, including Mike Matheson, Jonathan Drouin, Joe Veleno and Anthony Duclair. The Drakkar will have a chance to rebuild in his image, and he has earned it with his success at the midget level.

Drummondville will also be looking to cast off veterans in favour of younger players, as they hope to look to future years. The for-sale sign is on stars like Xavier Simoneau and Thomas Pelletier, while it has been rumoured that draft hopeful Dawson Mercer already has a new home lined up at Christmas when the trading period opens in late December.

In closing, here is a top-ten of QMJHL prospects to watch this season:

Alexis Lafreniere, Rimouski – his hype precedes him, but he’s absolutely worth it.

Hendrix Lapierre, Chicoutimi – missed some time last year with injury but hoping to make up for lost time.

Justin Barron, Halifax – Dobson-like skater and potential dominator on the back end.

Vasily Ponomarev, Shawinigan – a fitness freak in an optimal position to make things happen with lots of ice time.

Mavrik Bourque, Shawinigan – impressed on an offensive-weak Shawinigan last year with his skills and poise.

Theo Rochette, Chicoutimi – An early season injury sidelines him in a critical year, but will have plenty of opportunities.

Dawson Mercer, Drummondville – do-it-all two-way winger who skates well and can play all situations.

Jérémie Poirier, Saint John – great size and skating ability, is already a top-pairing defender in his draft year.

Lukas Cormier, Charlottetown – undersized, but excellent skater who can always make something happen offensively.

Noah Delémont, Acadie-Bathurst – great skater, great hockey sense and ability to handle minutes, especially internationally.

Anaheim Ducks 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 18:32:11 +0000

I have long been fascinated by the player development system in place in Anaheim. Actually, that isn’t quite fair, as I have long been fascinated by the entirety of hockey operations in Anaheim, what with the Ducks being possibly the last public holdout to the analytics revolution.

It would be easy to attribute their recent fall from grace to their insistence on playing checkers while the rest of the league plays chess, but that isn’t wholly accurate either. You see, if they were so far behind the times, the Ducks would not have been consistent contenders for so long. Not only did last year’s playoff miss signify the first early vacation for the Ducks since 2011-12, but it was just their third playoff miss since winning the Stanley Cup in 2007.

It would be pretty easy to look at last year as not only a result of anti-analytics, but doubling down on the anti-analytics style, what with Randy Carlyle spending the bulk of the season behind the bench before GM Bo Murray finally pulled the plug and installed himself as the interim bench boss over the last few months of the season.

While the above was a contributing factor, the Ducks fell from their regular postseason perch due to a combination of an aging core (with the associated injuries that also come in tandem) with a young next wave that was not quite ready.

One of the things that has most fascinated me about the Ducks player development system (including their scouting/drafting) is how they see to consistently find skilled forwards at the draft, which they had supplemented with just enough of a blueline corps to maintain their edge. Trades and the expansion draft (Sami Vaatanen and Marcus Pettersen for the former and Shea Theodore for the latter) made that blueline weaker than they had hoped and they team simply lacked the horses to replace them.

We can see that below, as the Ducks current top 20 has only four defensemen, two of whom were just brought into the system at this year’s draft. None of those four defenders are ranked higher than ninth in the system. That top defender, Josh Mahura, was given a change last year, in his first professional season, and held his own in a 17 game NHL trial, but did not do enough at either the AHL or NHL levels to indicate that he was ready for a full time NHL role.

The same is not true for the team’s forwards. With the Anaheim forward unit aging, and in some case, excised from the roster, there will be a few chances for one or more of the team’s top prospects to step up. The Ducks are expected to offer extended opportunities to Sam Steel, Troy Terry, and Max Jones to make the NHL roster on a full-time basis, especially now that former AHL San Diego coach Dallas Eakins has been named the Anaheim head coach. All will be given a chance to become part of the new Anaheim core.

-Ryan Wagman

Anaheim Ducks Center Sam Steel (34) . (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire)

1 Trevor Zegras, C (9^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) With all of the hoopla surrounding teammate and occasional linemate Jack Hughes, it was relatively easy to miss the fact that Trevor Zegras was also among the handful of the most dynamic forwards available in the 2019 draft class. Part of his ability to fly under the radar was due to not being a natural goalscorer, preferring, like current Anaheim legend Ryan Getzlaf, to create opportunities for others. The other part of it is the fact that near elite hockey IQ is one of the driving factors in his game, as opposed to say skating ability (although he is a tremendous skater) or puck skills (he has fantastic hands). With Hughes clearly the number one center for the USNTDP last year, Zegras alternated between playing as the second line center, or on either of the two wings. He can do it all and may not need to do it all at Boston University for more than a single season before he is ready for the pro game. - RW

2 Sam Steel, C (30^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 1) Steel’s first pro season was a solid one, as his dependable smarts and diverse offensive skill set were all on display in a season split between Anaheim and AHL San Diego. A playmaker at heart, he possesses incredible patience and natural hockey sense, but can beat you with a wicked wrist shot from the slot as well. He took on some tough defensive matchups in his rookie season in the pro ranks, showing exemplary maturity and discipline at a young age. Though his playmaking traits revolve around slowing the game down, he could stand to play with more pace. The door is wide open for the former first-rounder to secure a full-time spot on the center depth chart in the NHL. Expect him to play a top-six role with the Ducks in the future. - TD

3 Maxime Comtois, C/LW (50^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 4) Comtois secured a taste of the NHL level this season with seven points in 10 games, and later spent another four games at the AHL level. This experience is a sign pointing to how close he is to making the show. Comtois added the captaincy along with six points in five games for Team Canada at the World Juniors while playing through a separated shoulder. He also had an impressive second half of 48 points in 25 games with Drummondville showing great resiliency in returning strong after receiving unwarranted criticism from some fans after his Team Canada performance. Comtois is NHL ready; he has the size, the skills, the smarts and the drive. His skating is not special but it should be enough, and his game evolved from pure offensive power forward to a two-way force at the junior level. His 2018-19 was a big step towards reaching his potential as a responsible and dependable physical top-six winger with offensive upside. -MS

4 Isac Lundestrom, C/LW (23^rd overall, 2018. Last Year: 2) Lundestrom has already seen NHL action as a teenager and will be an NHLer in the long run as well. He has a chance to emerge as a good center for Anaheim as soon as this upcoming season. His potential is not top line elite but as a middle six center he could thrive. He has strong foundations when it comes to his skating, skills, smarts and physicality. He could show more of an attack mentality in the offensive end though. His wrist shot is good, but he doesn’t use it enough. He is a strong puck carrier and excels at zone entries. He can be used in various roles, offensively as well as defensively, and do well at both ends, but isn’t all-in-all good enough to become the best player for your team. Lundestrom plays a balanced game and takes responsibility in all three zones. He can also support the offensive game and has puck skills to become a 40/50-point player in the NHL at his peak. - JH

5 Troy Terry, C (148^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 3) Terry is not the best or most complete prospect in the Anaheim system, but he might be the one with the most raw, unadulterated skill. The center is yet another pro rookie who dazzled in 2018-19, as the former World Junior Championship hero put up a point per game with AHL San Diego and 13 points in 32 games with Anaheim last year. His quick hands, whippy, dangerous wrist shot, offensive vision, and deceptive skating give him a neat package to build on, as long as he can remain confident and start to help out on defense more than he currently does. Has a solid chance to break the Ducks’ Opening Night roster, if his health (broken leg late last season) coincides with his gameplay. - TD

6 Benoit-Olivier Groulx, C (54^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 5) Coaches love smart players, and Groulx is certainly that. He showed a lot of growth on a deep Halifax team this season, with a 25-point improvement from the previous year. He was injured and missed some time in the playoffs, and was not himself until the Memorial Cup, where he contributed at a point-per-game pace. Groulx’s skating is only so-so, and could make him a better winger than center in the pros, but he has the hockey sense and the intelligence to overcome average skating speed and succeed. He can play all situations and has been one of the smartest players in the Q. Pair that with a greatly improved shot, and Groulx has a solid opportunity to move along in the pro ranks. He is shaping up to be a solid middle-six option who can play all situations, and can hang around with his hockey sense above all of his other well-rounded skills. - MS

7 Brayden Tracey, LW (29^th overall, 2019) What will get Tracey to the NHL is his ability to shoot the puck. He has a great wrist shot as well as a lethal one-timer that he can get off in limited space. He has the ability to find soft spaces in the defensive zone coverage that enable him good shooting opportunities. He was fortunate this year to be the fifth player in one of the top 5 man units in the WHL and I remain a bit skeptical about his ability to drive offense without such a dominant supporting cast around him. His skating is above average and he moves around the ice well with and without the puck, including some nice feigns and dekes that allow him to beat guys one on one. He projects as a middle six winger who is a viable offensive option on a second power play unit. - VG

8 Max Jones, LW (24^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 8) Another former first-rounder who made his pro debut last season, Jones boasts a menacing power-forward repertoire and the intense, mature game to grow into it. He struggled to establish himself in limited NHL minutes last season (30-2-3-5), but looked dominant at times with AHL San Diego, using his elite skating, combining balance and stride power to finesse by defenders and make something happen. His skating speed is at a high level for someone of his size and playing style, and his sturdiness with the puck on his stick makes him a difficult player to wrap up. His feisty, angry demeanor on the ice can backfire (penalty minute accumulation, lack of focus on defense), but will be a factor if he can harness it for good. Even if he does not live up to his draft billing, he should establish himself on a bottom six slot in short order. - TD

9 Josh Mahura, D (85^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 6) As part of a long line of high-end defensemen drafted in later rounds and developed by the Ducks, Mahura shows top-four upside and the potential to be a lethal power-play quarterback in the future. A crisp, accurate, and heads-up passer, the 2016 third-rounder is a beast in transitional play, and is never afraid to start -- or join -- an offensive rush. Solid vision of up-ice development is aided by his tight gaps, which can force turnovers at the blue line and spark a chance the other way. An average skater, Mahura needs to work on his technical footwork (pivots, start/stops, acceleration) to command a lot of minutes in his NHL future. He could also be a shooter, but his game is more tailored to his skill at facilitating chances for others. - TD

10 Blake McLaughlin, LW (79^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 7) After a strong performance in his draft year with USHL Chicago, McLaughlin was one of several high end newcomers at the University of Minnesota. In a disappointing season for the Golden Gophers, the former third rounder was part of the general malaise around the program during the first half of the season, but he made the necessary adjustments from the Junior A level and performed at an admirable NCAA level in the second half of his freshman year. By year’s end, he was showcasing a promising two-way game, using his skilled hands to force turnovers in his own end and then to create chances for his linemates in the offensive end. His solid first few steps also help him be a disruptive force throughout the rink. If his trajectory continues, he still has a good chance of fulfilling his middle six NHL upside. - RW

11 Trevor Janicke, C (132^nd overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Like Trevor Zegras above, this Trevor is also experienced at being overshadowed by Jack Hughes. A USNTDP member during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, he was never draft eligible as a late birthday, but even so, Hughes helped keep him in the bottom six during his second year with the program. Spending his draft year with lowly, and now defunct Central Illinois of the USHL, Janicke was easy to forget, but he has often the only real offensive driver for the Flying Aces. Heading to Notre Dame next year, Janicke has refined hockey sense and is a strong skater (two endemic traits among USNTDP alums) but his shot is a separator. The wrist shot, in particular, can beat good goalies (at the USHL level) from a distance. While he may not score as often from the blueline, he will still be deadly from the circles on in. With continued development with the Fighting Irish, he has middle six upside, although more likely as a winger than up the middle. -RW

12 Henry Thrun, D (101^st overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Lacking the flair of fellow USNTDP blueliners Cam York and Domenick Fensore, or the size and brawn of teammates like Alex Vlasic or Case McCarthy, Thrun did a little bit of everything for the program. He plays a quiet, hyper-efficient game at both ends. He was a regular on the penalty kill and shows the type of on-ice IQ that you could expect from someone heading to Harvard. He is not a blazer, but has enough mobility to move the puck out of his own zone. His work in the offensive end lacks panache, but he is an excellent passer, particularly with his backhand. He has good size, but he wins battles defensively through positioning instead of brute force. His upside is not likely to be better than a solid number four, but in this system, that makes him one of the best defenders.

13 Antoine Morand, C (60^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 9) A teammate of Groulx’s and a close friend of Comtois, Antoine Morand is well connected with his fellow Anaheim-drafted Q prospect teammates. Much like them, Morand knows where to be on the ice. He is a creator who distributes very well and can run an offence. For the third year in a row, he broke the 70-point barrier, this time with the Halifax Mooseheads, where he was named captain. In his second Memorial Cup appearance, he doubled his point output at the tournament from two to four. He is a solid skater with great agility and strong edgework, but his size is a question mark going forward. Morand will have to bulk up to have extended success at the NHL level, as he is a top-6 offensive player or bust prospect as an undersized forward. - MS

14 Lukas Dostal, G (85^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 12) Although small by modern goaltending standards, Czech netminder Lukas Dostal is blessed with high end athleticism. Along with his glove hand and his ability to track the puck, he can keep his team in games, as he demonstrated time and again at the junior level, and against men at various European stops. In addition to a star turn with the Czech U20 team at the WJC (he was named one of the three best players on the team and led all netminders at the tournament with a stellar .957 save percentage), he also more than held his own at the Czech second division and in Finland’s top level with Ilves. He likes to challenge shooters and shows a plus ability to prevent second chances. His limbs move quickly, and he can cover more of the net than his bulk would suggest. Heading back to Ilves for another year, he profiles as a future backup at the highest level. - RW

15 Brendan Guhle, D (51^st overall, 2015 [Buffalo]. Last Year: 3 [Buffalo]) Packaged in the February trade that sent Brandon Montour to Buffalo, Guhle wasted no time getting acclimated to the Ducks system and showing his NHL potential in the process. The former second-rounder has the size and fundamental defensive smarts to be reliable in his own zone, as well as the speed and playmaking abilities to carry the puck out and make some noise. At the tail end of the 2018-19 campaign, the former second-round pick was quarterbacking the Ducks’ second power-play unit, as his fantastic technical skating ability and shot made for a nifty man-advantage package at the top of the zone. Mature and physical, there are no real, debilitating flaws to his game, and he could be on the Ducks’ blueline come to the start of the 2019-20 season although his true upside is more number four or five than defensive linchpin. - TD

16 Chase De Leo, C (99^th overall, 2014 [Winnipeg]. Last Year: Unranked) An undersized forward, De Leo has absolutely dominated in the AHL over the past few seasons, including a career-best 66-20-35-55 stat line with San Diego last year, adding five playoff goals in the process. His combination of energy, skill, playmaking, and shooting prowess make him one of the most intriguing presences in a prospect system -- one De Leo joined following a trade from Winnipeg in June 2018 -- deep in scoring centers. So why hasn’t he seen an extended shot in the NHL? His 5-9” stature doesn’t help, and his inability to help much on defense -- even in his draft +4 year -- is not a step in the right direction. Jumping into a re-tooling organization like the Ducks could help his case for an NHL spot, however, although he would need to prove he can take on a bottom six role. - TD

17 Jackson Lacombe, D (39^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) As Lacombe spent the overwhelming majority of his draft year playing with the Shattuck St. Mary’s Midget Prep program, kicking butt and taking names, it was fairly clear that he was too good for the level he was at. His outrageous point totals (89 points in 54 games as a defenseman) need to be taken with a few shakers of salt. That said, when he did play in the USHL for a few scattered games with the Chicago Steel, he showed a different side of his game, one seemingly more indicative of what he could develop into. Tall and lanky, with room to gain mass, he is a plus skater and shows the ability to move the ability at a solid level, similar to what he demonstrated in the pre-season at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Most notable to these eyes, he was able to read the play at a higher level than was necessary in the prep ranks. He has higher upside than some ranked above him on this list, but is further from reaching that level. -RW

18 Jack Badini, C/LW (91^st overall, 2017. Last Year: 13) Along with Blake McLaughlin and Jackson Lacombe, Jack Badini is one of three former Chicago Steel players in the Anaheim system. Drafted in his second year of eligibility after leading the Steel to a USHL crown in 2017, his first two years at Harvard have been solid, but not spectacular. He is still fleet of foot and a dangerous penalty killer. Since being drafted, Badini has grown more into his frame over two years at Harvard and can be a tougher player to get past in his own end. He has not been given an extended opportunity playing special teams, but has still managed to contribute at a nice secondary pace. Badini still has the makings of a solid bottom six forward, possibly at center, but it would be good to see him gain additional responsibilities with the Crimson before turning pro. - RW

19 Anthony Stolarz, G (45^th overall, 2012 [Philadelphia]. Last Year: 13 [Philadelphia]) As an injury-prone netminder who has been through multiple NHL systems, you might be asking what Stolarz is even doing on a prospects rundown. Keep in mind that the massive, surprisingly athletic American still has quite a bit of upside and has even showed it in his brief NHL stints to this point. A deep-playing netminder, Stolarz is calm, shuts down the posts well, moves from side to side efficiently, and has a very composed game that limits scrambling. With John Gibson atop the goaltending totem pole, what the Ducks will do with the 25-year-old is an open question, but he projects to be a high-end backup goalie at the NHL level if given the role over an extended trial. - TD

20 Andrew Poturalski, C (UFA: Mar. 8, 2016 [Carolina]. Last Year: 14 [Carolina]) Everywhere he has gone in his career, Poturalski has scored at incredible rates. A star at the USHL and NCAA levels, the undrafted forward has torn up the AHL as well, most recently with a 72-23-47-70 regular season, Calder Cup title, and the Butterfield Trophy (AHL postseason MVP) with Charlotte in 2018-19. A decisive, speedy playmaker with quick hands and high-end vision, the 25-year-old possesses a ceiling of a depth scoring forward with potential to have a ton of success on the power play. The lack of a quick first step has limited his ability to attack on the fly, while his undersized frame makes him nearly non-existent around the boards and might be the primary reason why he only received a two game NHL cameo across his three full season in the Carolina organization. With a rebuilding Anaheim team, he may finally get his chance. - TD

Benoit-Olivier Groulx – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – ANAHEIM DUCKS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #2

Anaheim Ducks Top 20 Prospects

2. Pavel Mintyukov - LW

3. Lukas Dostal - G

4. Olen Zellweger - D

5. Tristan Luneau - D

6. Nathan Gaucher - C

7. Jacob Perreault - RW

8. Jackson Lacombe - D

9. Tyson Hinds - D

10. Nico Myatovic - LW

11. Carey Terrance - C

12. Drew Helleson - D

13. Noah Warren - D

14. Coulson Pitre - RW

15. Sasha Pastujov - RW

16. Calle Clang - G

17. Benoit Olivier Groulx - C

18. Ian Moore - D

19. Brayden Tracey - LW

20. Sam Colangelo - RW

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #2 Anaheim Ducks

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #9 Arizona Coyotes

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – ANAHEIM DUCKS – Top 20 Prospects

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: ANAHEIM DUCKS – RANK: #2 – TIER 1

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Top 300 Prospect Rankings

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Anaheim Ducks Top 20 Prospects

Trevor Zegras, C (9th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Jamie Drysdale, D (6th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: N/A)

Jacob Perreault, RW (27th overall, 202. Previous ranking: N/A)

Lukas Dostal, G (85th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

Benoit-Olivier Groulx, C (54th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 3)

Isac Lundestrom, C/LW (23rd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Brayden Tracey, LW (29th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 5)

Sam Colangelo, RW (36th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: N/A)

Jackson Lacombe, D (39th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 6)

Axel Andersson, D (Trade” Feb. 21, 2020. Originally: 57th overall, 2018 [Boston]. Previous ranking: 7)

Blake McLaughlin, LW (79th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 8)

Henry Thrun, D (101st overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

Ian Moore, D (67th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: N/A)

Josh Mahura, D (85th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 10)

Chase De Leo, C (Trade: Jun. 30, 2018. Originally: 99th overall, 2014 [Winnipeg]. Previous ranking: 11)

Antoine Morand, C (60th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 12)

Jack Badini, C/LW (91st overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 13)

Trevor Janicke, C (132nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 14)

Artyom Galimov, LW (129th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: N/A)

Bryce Kindopp, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 3, 2020. Previous ranking: 15)

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – ANAHEIM DUCKS – ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 18

Anaheim Ducks

Trevor Zegras, C (9th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 1)

Lukas Dostal, G (85th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 14)

Benoit-Olivier Groulx, C (54th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

Isac Lundestrom, C/LW (23rd overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 4)

Brayden Tracey, LW (29th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 7)

Jackson Lacombe, D (39th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 17)

Axel Andersson, D (Trade” Feb. 21, 2020. Originally: 57th overall, 2018 [Boston]. 2019 Rank: 13 [Boston])

Blake McLaughlin, LW (79th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 10)

Henry Thrun, D (101st overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 12)

Josh Mahura, D (85th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 9)

Chase De Leo, C (Trade: Jun. 30, 2018. Originally: 99th overall, 2014 [Winnipeg]. 2019 Rank: 16)

Antoine Morand, C (60th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 13)

Jack Badini, C/LW (91st overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 18)

Trevor Janicke, C (132nd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 11)

Bryce Kindopp, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 3, 2020. 2019 Rank: IE)

QMJHL 2019-20 Season Preview: Early returns show parity, competition at top of standings

Anaheim Ducks 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

Trevor Zegras, C (9^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Jamie Drysdale, D (6^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: N/A)

Jacob Perreault, RW (27^th overall, 202. Previous ranking: N/A)

Lukas Dostal, G (85^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

Benoit-Olivier Groulx, C (54^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 3)

Isac Lundestrom, C/LW (23^rd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Brayden Tracey, LW (29^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 5)

Sam Colangelo, RW (36^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: N/A)

Jackson Lacombe, D (39^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 6)

Axel Andersson, D (Trade” Feb. 21, 2020. Originally: 57^th overall, 2018 [Boston]. Previous ranking: 7)

Blake McLaughlin, LW (79^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 8)

Henry Thrun, D (101^st overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

Ian Moore, D (67^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: N/A)

Josh Mahura, D (85^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 10)

Chase De Leo, C (Trade: Jun. 30, 2018. Originally: 99^th overall, 2014 [Winnipeg]. Previous ranking: 11)

Antoine Morand, C (60^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 12)

Jack Badini, C/LW (91^st overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 13)

Trevor Janicke, C (132^nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 14)

Artyom Galimov, LW (129^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: N/A)

Trevor Zegras, C (9^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 1)

Lukas Dostal, G (85^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 14)

Benoit-Olivier Groulx, C (54^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

Isac Lundestrom, C/LW (23^rd overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 4)

Brayden Tracey, LW (29^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 7)

Jackson Lacombe, D (39^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 17)

Axel Andersson, D (Trade” Feb. 21, 2020. Originally: 57^th overall, 2018 [Boston]. 2019 Rank: 13 [Boston])

Blake McLaughlin, LW (79^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 10)

Henry Thrun, D (101^st overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 12)

Josh Mahura, D (85^th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 9)

Chase De Leo, C (Trade: Jun. 30, 2018. Originally: 99^th overall, 2014 [Winnipeg]. 2019 Rank: 16)

Antoine Morand, C (60^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 13)

Jack Badini, C/LW (91^st overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 18)

Trevor Janicke, C (132^nd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 11)