Anaheim Ducks NHL Draft Grade, Analysis
By Ryan Ritchie
Anaheim Ducks NHL Draft Grade, Prospect Analysis/Review
Making most of their noise before the NHL Draft, the Anaheim Ducks managed to accumulate an extra 1st round pick (30th overall) from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for goaltender Frederik Andersen.
The Ducks had six picks heading into the draft, and made the most of them selecting five forwards and one defenseman. Anaheim was still able to draft BAP (best available player), while at the same time addressing needs. All in all, a solid weekend for GM Bob Murray and company.
Now the real work begins.
Anaheim has decisions to make with RFAs Hampus Lindholm and Rickard Rakell, and it looks as though Cam Fowler could be on the move.
It wouldn’t be overly shocking to see Bob Murray shake the roster up a little more than Fowler and Andersen.
Below, we have included our mock draft prospect profile for each player selected. Directly underneath is our final mock draft ranking/team, as well as NHL Central Scouting’s Final Ranking.
Anaheim Ducks NHL Draft Grade: B
Related Story: Cam Fowler Likely to be Dealt
Anaheim Ducks NHL Draft Prospect Analysis
Max Jones. 24. player. 105. There’s somewhat of a risk drafting Max Jones, depending how you look at it. He’s offensively talented, and should be able to produce at the NHL level. Discipline could be an issue though. He could easily find himself in the penalty box as frequently as <a href=. LW. London (OHL)
Our Final Mock Rankings: 24th (Anaheim)
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 14th NA Skaters
Fans in Anaheim will love this kid. Jones is known for playing with a nasty edge that can sometimes get him in trouble, but he’s the perfect blend of skill and physicality. The Ducks now have a pair of promising LWers in Nick Ritchie and Max Jones.
Sam Steel. 30. player. 105. The 5’11 179lbs center possesses high hockey IQ, and is best described as a playmaker who can make great passes.<p><em>“Super smart and skilled, does it all at top speed too. Does a good job of working his edges to change angles and keep his balance while under pressure.”<br /></em><br /><em>“He’s got good speed and elite hockey sense, which helps make up for his somewhat small stature. His shot is very good and his release is extremely quick.” [<a href=. C. Regina (WHL)
Our Final Mock Rankings: 47th (Nashville)
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 30th NA Skaters
His draft stock fell only slightly in 2015-16, largely due to concerns over his size. A smart player, Steel projects to be secondary scorer on the 2nd line at most, third line situational role player at worst.
Josh Mahura. 85. player. 105. The 6’0 179lbs stay-at-home defenseman is tough to project based on his limited sample size. He suffered a knee injury back in October, only playing two regular season games for Red Deer. He did participate in postseason action. He had 8 points in 51 games in his WHL rookie season in 2014-15.<p><em>“Mahura looks to have the ability to grow into a reliable two-way defensive prospect. He’s a strong skater with good edges, being very light on his feet. Moves the puck well and has some decent offensive tools at his disposal.” [<a href=. LHD. Red Deer (WHL)
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Our Final Mock Rankings: 159th (Buffalo)
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: Not Ranked
Mahura was on NHL Central Scouting’s original list to open 2015-16, but ultimately went unranked due to a limited sample size after missing nearly the entire regular season due to injury.
Certain scouts might deem this a steal because Mahura could have gone much higher if he played more during his draft year.
93. player. 105. <strong>6’2 190lbs<br /></strong><br /><em>“Kopacka is a hard working forward with decent size. He contributes offensively and battles hard down low. He went through improvements all season long and established himself as a good top 6 forward in the OHL and a bonafide NHL draft prospect. Next year should be a coming out party for him in the Soo. He will need continue to improve his physicality, which is something that will be a cornerstone of his game.” [<a href=. LW. Sault Ste. Marie (OHL). Jack Kopacka
Our Final Mock Rankings: 122nd (Toronto)
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 33rd NA Skaters
Gatineau (QMJHL). Alex Dostie. 115. player. 105. <strong>5’10 165lbs<br /></strong><br />He has a solid offensive skill-set, although scouts criticize his reluctance to go into the dirty areas/shy away from physicality.. C
Our Final Mock Rankings: Not Ranked
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 192nd NA Skaters
205. player. 105. <strong>6’0 172lbs<br /></strong><br /><em>“Not the biggest guy, but shows flashes of skill, sense and compete. Plays in all situations for the Royals and I do like his versatility in that regard.”[<a href=. C. Victoria (WHL). Tyler Soy
Our Final Mock Rankings: 186th (Calgary)
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 150th NA Skaters
Next: Anaheim Ducks Free Agency Preview
Overall, a solid NHL Draft for the Anaheim Ducks. The top three picks have a high chance of becoming everyday NHLers, while the last three picks come with some risk (high reward potential). Both Dostie and Soy are 19-year-old’s who were extremely productive after going unselected in 2015.
Most important of all though, the offensive prospect cupboard is now re-stocked for Anaheim. There’s still some work to do this offseason, but it seems GM Bob Murray has a plan to steer this ship back in the right direction.