Puck Prose
Fansided

Anaheim Ducks: Top 10 Prospects Entering 2019

By Dave Stevenson

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Trevor Zegras, ninth overall pick of the Anaheim Ducks, poses for a portrait during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Trevor Zegras, ninth overall pick of the Anaheim Ducks, poses for a portrait during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
anaheim ducks
Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images /

8. Max Jones

Acquired: 2016 first-round pick (24th overall)

Position: Left wing

Stats: 30 games, 2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points (NHL); 43 games, 14 goals, 15 assists, 29 points, 8 postseason games, 4 points (AHL)

Max Jones got a nice cup of coffee in the NHL during the 2018-19 season. It didn’t go as well for him as expected, but to be fair, he was in a fourth-line role. Five points might not look like much, but for what it’s worth, he posted positive relative possession stats, so that’s something he can hang his hat on.

With more skilled linemates, Jones could be a bargain bin version of Tom Wilson. He has the skill and speed to hang with faster players without being a hindrance to them. I really like his work along the boards. Jones needs to be better at retrieving pucks, but I saw some growth from him there, so I’m optimistic about his chances of improving.

Jones needs a consistent role, whether that’s in Anaheim or San Diego. Hopefully, it’s in the former because I think working with Eakins would be a great thing for him. Jones struck me as someone who made an impression on Eakins, so maybe that will be the case. He’s someone who I believe will graduate from this list.

It’s a testament to how deep their prospect core is that Jones is eighth on this list. He’d probably be in the top five, maybe even three, on most teams.

7. Antoine Morand

Acquired: 2017 second round pick (60th overall)

Position: Center

Stats: 62 games, 22 goals, 48 assists, 70 points; 23 games, 5 goals, 10 assists, 15 points (QMJHL, Halifax Mooseheads)

Antoine Morand was the Mooseheads captain last season. He recently turned 20 years old, so I believe he’ll make the jump to the AHL, where he will join the San Diego Gulls. I like Morand as a playmaker. His passing is terrific and he knows how to use the whole ice to set up scoring chances.

Morand has an NHL-ready frame at 5’10” and 185 pounds. He hasn’t lost any of his speed that impressed me back in 2017. Morand has a nice shot, but he doesn’t seem to use it nearly enough. If that develops, watch out.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Morand gets a cup of coffee with the Ducks at some point during the 2019-20 season. He’s got a skillset that Eakins really likes and he’s a high-character player.

Home/Anaheim Ducks