Anaheim Ducks forward Nick Ritchie (37) Nov 16, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; watches the play against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Anaheim Ducks: Ranking Top 10 Prospects (1-10) Heading Into 2016-17 NHL Season
As the 2016-2017 NHL season approaches, Puck Prose will be updating each team’s top ten prospects in their system. From Anaheim to Winnipeg, we will see how newly drafted players from the 2016 NHL Draft in June stack up against current prospect pools or how trade acquisitions spot in their respective team’s top ten list.
The Anaheim Ducks had a moderate group of potentially successful NHL players before the 2016 NHL Draft. Shea Theodore led a deep defensive group, while Nick Ritchie was the bright spot in the Ducks future offensive plans.
After adding Max Jones, Sam Steel, Jack Kopacka, and Tyler Soy in June, their prospect depth as an organization improved significantly by adding four players that can contribute on their respective junior teams, but also have a strong future as a professional player.
Besides the new additions, the Ducks have some very underrated offensive prospects that have had success at the collegiate level and the AHL level. All these factors together make for a underestimated top ten list for the Anaheim Ducks.
Jan 13, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Shea Theodore celebrates with his team after scoring his first NHL goal during the third period against the Ottawa Senators at Honda Center. The Anaheim Ducks won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
1. D Shea Theodore
Shea Theodore has arguably been the Ducks top prospect for the past two years. A superb two-way defenseman who is a threat in the offensive zone, Theodore has had great success as a power play quarterback. He can get a quick understanding of the offense and always knows where to find his fellow teammates when on the attack.
Theodore saw his first stint of NHL action last season, playing in 19 games for the Ducks. He impressed many with his offensive production, but just like any newcomer he experienced some struggles in his own end or in transition, but nothing that can not be fixed.
This year the 2013 first round selection will be looking to be a regular with the NHL club. Training camp will act as a showcase for Theodore to show how matured he ready he is to be in the starting lineup every night.
Nov 16, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Anaheim Ducks forward Nick Ritchie (37) skates against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
2. LW Nick Ritchie
The former 10th overall pick in 2014, Ritchie can skate despite his size, being listed as 6’2″ and 231 lbs. Acceleration is a big part of his game as he uses his speed to beat opponents into the corner to create offense.
Ritchie, like Theodore, played in the NHL last year; however, Nick Ritchie was with the Ducks for 33 games instead of 19. Being a power forward, Ritchie can fit anywhere in the lineup. It may be as a top-six forward, or a bottom line grinder, but Ritchie will throw his weight around and contribute on offense making him a power forward that many teams would love to have on their team.
Ritchie will need to improve his shot this year in order to become a more dangerous player. Only scoring two goals in 33 games last season with the Ducks, once Ritchie hones his accuracy he’ll be a top player for the Ducks.
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Jacob Larsson adjust his cap as he stands with head coach Bruce Boudreau after being selected as the number twenty-seven overall pick to the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
3. D Jacob Larsson
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Another important piece to the defensive prospect depth the Ducks have is 2015 first round selection, Jacob Larsson. Larsson, a dynamic two-way defenseman, spent last year with Frölunda HC where he has become a mobile and smart transition defender.
His quick, smooth skating is his best asset, and his passing and offensive setup are not far behind. Larsson could become a dynamite talent in the NHL once he can master the game without the puck.
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4. D Brandon Montour
After spending time in the USHL and NCAA, Brandon Montour made a name for himself last year in the AHL with the San Diego Gulls. Montour showcased his offensive skills and how great of an offensive defenseman he could become. Montour also played a very physical and aggressive game, which is great at the professional level.
While Montour is great offensively, his defensive zone coverage is inconsistent due to his aggressive nature and willingness to play up. These are things that can be easily fixed and developed so that Montour can become an asset on offense and the power play in the NHL.
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; General view of team executives on the arena floor in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
5. C Julius Nättinen
Julius Nättinen played to his full offensive potential last season with the Barrie Colts which shows how valuable he could become to the Anaheim Ducks. His playmaking abilities and breakout work were very impressive this past year while playing in North America for the first time and in a much faster paced league like the OHL.
6. C Kalle Kossila
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Undrafted free agent Kalle Kossila burst onto the scene at St. Cloud State University the past four years after coming over from Finland. Although he has dual citizenship in Finland, Kossila hails from France but decided to play his amateur hockey in the States with the Huskies.
Kossila has great puck control and playmaking abilities which making a threat in all three zones. He can gain control of the puck in his own end, set up a breakout, and create chances in the offensive zone.
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Max Jones poses for a photo after being selected as the number twenty-four overall draft pick by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
7. LW Max Jones
The London Knights were the team to watch in the OHL last season and Anaheim Ducks 2016 first round selection Max Jones was a big part of their success. An aggressive scorer and underrated finesse winger, Jones makes big plays and creates offensive with his strength and possession.
The Rochester, Michigan native will be a part of another stacked London Knights this upcoming season as they look to sit atop the OHL once again. This year Jones will need to focus on discipline and defensive zone coverage. After having suspension trouble at the end of the season last year, Jones needs to focus more on his technical play instead of intensity.
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Sam Steel puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number thirty overall draft pick by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
8. C Sam Steel
The Anaheim Ducks had two first round picks in 2016. They used their first to take Max Jones and the second to pick up Regina Pats forward Sam Steel. While he is rather small at 5’11” and 176 lbs, Steel is skilled and has fantastic vision and playmaking ability. Steel can make every player with him on the ice better by creating space and time for them in order to set up offensive chances.
9. RW Stefan Noesen
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Stefan Noesen’s hard work and never quit attitude finally paid off this past season. In his second full AHL season, Noesen had his best offensive output since coming to the professional level.
He has shown signs of maturity and he is starting to adapt to the pro game. He already plays physical and can come through in big situations.
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
10. D Marcus Pettersson
The Ducks have great success drafting from Europe and Marcus Pettersson is no exception. Like most European skaters, Petterson has a smooth and long stride that allows him to move easily down the ice. His transitions are terrific and he controls the gap well. Pettersson has strong breakout passes that are tape to tape.
Marcus Pettersson will be in Sweden once again this year where the focus for him will be physicality and aggression. While Pettersson can control the gap well, he works with his stick too much instead of using the body in order to get the puck.
The Anaheim Ducks have one of the more underrated prospect pools in the NHL. It is defensive heavy, but still has key offensive pieces mixed in that will contribute in the future.
The Arizona Coyotes are also a team with great prospect depth and they will be featured in the next Top Ten Prospects post.
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