Ducks add crucial depth across lines to conclude NHL Draft
It was an opportunity to collect some valuable assets at every position and the Anaheim Ducks did just that.
"We're definitely much deeper down the middle now," said Ducks Director of Professional/Amateur Scouting Martin Madden. "We're really happy with Benoit-Olivier [Groulx] in the second round. We added two really skilled kids in the third [round]. We missed on a defenseman we were really looking forward to, but that's all right. We got two longer term development guys there, but really talented, skilled players. We're really happy."
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Fresh off making their sixth-straight postseason appearance, the Ducks turned their attention to creating some depth behind an aging offensive core in the NHL Draft.
With the 23rd overall pick, the Ducks drafted center Isac Lundeström out of Sweden. Playing for Luleå HF, the 6-foot, 180-pound Lundeström registered six goals and 15 points in 42 games this season, up from six points in 45 games as a 17-year-old in 2016-17. He also has plenty of experience on the international circut. The 18-year-old lefty played for team Sweden in the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championships, netting two goals in seven games.
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"I was really emotional when I heard my name," Lundestrom said. "Huge honor to be a part of the Anaheim Ducks organization. A lot of good Swedish players there. I've also heard good things about Anaheim."
Lundeström is known as being a very well-rounded center, not one to jump off the stat sheet in any one area, but able to provide across all 200 feet.
Aside from Rickard Rakell, 24, the Ducks only have two centers under 30-years-old, making Lundeström a valuable asset moving forward for the organization.
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https://www.foxsports.com/west/story/anaheim-ducks-2018-2019-regular-season-schedule-062118
Updated to include the Ducks selections from rounds 2-6:
Round 2, 54th overall: center Benoit-Olivier Groulx (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL)
Round 3, 79th overall: left wing Blake McLaughlin (Chicago Steel, USHL)
Round 3, 85th overall: goaltender Lukas Dostal (SK Horácká Slavia Třebíč, Czech2)
Round 4, 116th overall: right wing Jackson Perbix (Elk River High School, Minnesota)
Round 5, 147th overall: goaltender Roman Durny (Des Moines Buccaneers, USHL)
Round 6, 178th overall: defenseman Hunter Drew (Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL)
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