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Anaheim Ducks Entry Draft Re-Cap and Report Card

By Matt Duscharme |
June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman addresses the crowd before the start of the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman addresses the crowd before the start of the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Puck Prose Will Be Running a Series Grading Teams and How Well They Did at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Up First the Anaheim Ducks.

With limited picks this year five instead of seven or more, the Anaheim Ducks made the best of it with what they had. Definitely not having a first round pick hurts, but the two second round picks also makes up for it big time because there are gems all through the draft, you just have to know how to find them.

Maxime Comtois, LW – Round 2, 50th overall – Original Ranking: 30th N.A Skaters

With only spent two seasons in the QMJHL, Comtois has proved to be a solid scorer. In 2015-16 he posted 26 goals and 34 assists for 60 points in 62 games. And last season put up 22 goals, and 29 assists for 51 points in 64 games. He has the potential top be a top nine forward and because of his weight and height, most likely in a power forward role.

Antoine Morand, C – Round 2, 53rd overall – Original Ranking: 47th N.A Skaters

Another pick who played in the QMJHL, Antoine Morand has played two seasons so far and is committed to the Acadie-Bathurst Titan again for next season. In his first season in the Q, Antoine Morand put up 14 goals, 36 assists for 50 points in 48 games. And last season saw quite the jump putting up 28 goals, and 46 assists for 74 points in 67 games as well as 12 playoff points in 11 playoff games. He has the potential to become a top-six winger in the NHL after a few years of growth in the QMJHL as well as AHL.

Jack Badini, C/LW – Round 3, 91st overall – Original Ranking: 151st

The Ducks definitely saw something in Jack Bidini for him to be selected so high. The six-foot 200-pound winger came off a career year in the USHL last season when he posted 42 points (28 goals, 14 assists) in 59 games. He also stood out in the playoffs with 17 points in 14 games.

Kyle Olson, C/RW – Round 4, 122nd overall – Original Ranking: 56th N.A Skaters

Kyle Olson is definitely a depth selection who may or may not achieve NHL status some day. But he’s still a solid scorer who put up a great 2016-17 season in the WHL when he posted 57 points in 72 games. While he’s still a rather small guy at 5’10” and 170 pounds, he still has time to add weight and height before playing pro.

Next: New York Rangers First Round

Olle Eriksson Ek, G – Round 5, 153rd overall – Original Ranking: 2nd European Goalies.

Olle Eriksson Ek could very well be one of those hidden gems for the Ducks, he had a pretty solid season in the Swedish Elite League last season. In 30 games, Eriksson Ek posted a 2.16 goals against average with a .924 save percentage. And while he’s committed to the Farjestad team next season, he will once again see some significant playing time.

Final Draft Ranking: C+

The Ducks definitely added some size through the draft as well as a promising goaltender. But with five picks their draft was limited. Realistically one or two of their picks have the potential to become full-time NHL players. The real hidden gem is Eriksson Ek though, he could very well grow into a top pro goaltender.

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