Ducks Season Preview: Zegras, McTavish lead young core

The 2022-23 NHL season begins on October 7th. With training camps opening soon, NHL.com takes a look at the three keys, the inside scoop on roster matters, and the prospective lineup for each of the 32 teams. Today the Anaheim Ducks.

Coaches: Dallas Eakins (fourth season)

Last season: 31-37-14, seventh in Pacific Division; did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

3 KEYS

1. Youngsters must produce

Trevor Zegras21, was second for the Ducks last season with 61 points (23 goals, 38 assists), but some of their other young forwards struggled. Max Comtoiswho led them in 2020-21 with 16 goals and 33 points in 55 games had six goals and 16 points in 52 games so the 23-year-old needs to improve his game or potentially lose his spot at the top six in the line-up.

Mason McTavishThe 19-year-old No. 3 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft is expected to play a big role this season. Isac Lundestrom, drafted 23rd in the 2018 NHL Draft, could also play a more prominent role after the 22-year-old had 29 points (16 goals, 13 assists) in 80 games last season as the Ducks finished 24th (2.78 goals ) were per game). They finished last in 2020-21 (2.21).

2. Consistency in defense

Defense Attorney’s Signature John Klingerberg A one-year deal on July 29 is a short-term solution but could be of great help in this group that gathers in front of the goalkeeper John Gibson. Klingeberg and Cam Fowler could play a big role in the power play, which ranked 14th in the NHL (21.9 percent) last season after finishing bottom in 2020-21 (8.9 percent). Jamie Drydale and Urho Vaakanainen Everyone is expected to take on a bigger role after the Ducks finished 23rd and conceded 3.24 goals per game last season.

3. New leaders must emerge

Ryan Getzlaf, who played 17 seasons for the Ducks and captained the last 12, retired after last season. His leadership on the ice and in the dressing room will be missed and someone needs to step up. Fowler and defender Kevin Shattenkirk as well as Zegras and forward Jacob Silberberg could be among the favorites to eventually earn the captaincy, but for now the Ducks appear to be in no rush to make a decision.

roster overview

make the cut

Off-season acquisitions Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano could play on the second line of attack. Strome signed a five-year deal and Vatrano agreed to a three-year deal on July 13. Comtois and McTavish could be in line for a spot with these two at training camp. The addition of Klingberg means Josh Mahura, Simon Benoit and view Drew Helleson will fight for one of the last spots in defense.

The most interesting addition

Considered by many to be the best free-agent defenseman available this offseason, Klingberg will provide an instant boost with his offensive prowess and ability to block shots. The right shot also affects power play; He had 20 power play points with the Dallas Stars last season. The 30-year-old will bring an experienced lead to the dressing room and should have no problem hitting the reset button after scoring six goals (which ties with the fewest in his NHL career) and 2021 with Dallas hit a career low of minus 28. 22

Biggest potential surprise

McTavish had two goals and one assist in nine games for the Ducks last season, 29 goals in the Ontario Hockey League (24 for Hamilton, five for Peterborough) and one goal in three games for San Diego of the American Hockey League. He is expected to have a major impact after being named Most Valuable Player for Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships in August when he led all scorers with 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) in seven games.

Ready to break through

Drysdale, who is in the final season of his entry-level contract, finished second among NHL rookie defensemen last season with 32 points (four goals, 28 assists) in 81 games. Defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings Moritz Seider, who won the Calder Trophy and was voted NHL Rookie of the Year, led all rookie defensemen with 50 points. Drysdale, the No. 6 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, is looking to improve on his own end after down 26. The 20-year-old played with Lindholm earlier in the season and then Fowler after Lindholm was traded. Drysdale partnered Vaakanainen at the end of the season and could be paired with the 23-year-old left-handed shooter earlier this season.

fantasy sleeper

Drysdale, D (Fantasy Average Draft Position: 169.1) — He was third among rookie defenders in power play points (12) and was able to break out through the encounter with valuable young forwards Zegras and McTavish. – Pete Jensen

PLANNED PLACEMENT

Adam Henrique — Trevor Zegras — Troy Terry

Max Comtois-Ryan Strome-Frank Vatrano

Max Jones – Mason McTavish – Jacob Silfverberg

Derek Grant –Isac Lundestrom– Sam Carrick

Cam Fowler—John Klingberg

Uhro VaakanainenJamie Drysdale

Josh MahuraKevin Shattenkirk

John Gibson

Anton Stolarz