Prospect Info: 2023-24 Ducks Prospects

[Hockey Duckie]

Prospect Update, Dec 11: Europe/ NHL

- Both forwards were silent in the scoring dept this week.

- Both goalies played one game and incrementally improved their Sv% as well as their GAA.

All the skaters took a hit in the +/- column this past week:
- Carlsson: -4 rating in three games
- LaCombe: -1 rating in three games
- Minty: -4 rating in three games
- Luneau: -1 rating in two games
- Groulx: -2 rating in two games

Goalie news
- Dostal took the L in his lone game this past week, but still improved his Sv% and GAA. He's now back under 4.00 GAA. Although improvement is shown, the overall production is still terrible.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

Prospect Update, Dec 11: AHL and ECHL

This past week was Oprah week for the Gulls because so many prospects were earning points! "You get a point! And you get two points! And you get another point in another game!"

In three games, the Gulls goal total was 17 goals to 3 goals against. A big thanks to LW De Leo and G Suchanek. Finally returning from pre-season injury, De Leo has 10 points in seven games. Suchanek allowed only 3 goals on 77 shots (a 0.961 Sv%), which included a shutout! Suchanek isn't our prospect, he's signed by the Gulls, but he was with us during camp and could earn an ELC after the season like D Benoit did a few seasons ago.

Last week, we had only four prospects scoring at 0.50 ppg or above in Perreault, Regenda, Zell, and King. This week, we have six prospects scoring at 0.50 ppg or above as both Tracey and Nesterenko have joined in on the scoring fray.

Whatever McIlvane is doing, he's found the north wind after losing 13 consecutive games. Unfortunately, they will play only one game this week on Sat. That's a week after they played their last game.

 

[All Mighty]

Unsurprisingly, Luneau is considered a lock to make the team.

 

[Mr Rogers]

What Zell is starting to do as a Dman in San Diego is very impressive for a first-year pro.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

What Zell is starting to do as a Dman in San Diego is very impressive for a first-year pro.

Very good on offensive production and shots, but needs work on defense and being risk averse, according to Defend the Nest.

Speaking of being impressive for a first-year d-man pro in San Diego, Drysdale won AHL rookie of the month as an 18-year old, including beating out Zegras. Zell is two years older than Drysdale as a first year rookie.

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

Very good on offensive production and shots, but needs work on defense and being risk averse, according to Defend the Nest.

Speaking of being impressive for a first-year d-man pro in San Diego, Drysdale won AHL rookie of the month as an 18-year old, including beating out Zegras. Zell is two years older than Drysdale as a first year rookie.

Gunna have crazy mobility on the back end in a year or 2.

Mintyukov drysdale
Lacombe luneau
Zellweger

 

[TheGoodShepard1]

 

[TopShelfWaterBottle]

Gunna have crazy mobility on the back end in a year or 2.

Mintyukov drysdale
Lacombe luneau
Zellweger

Not enough muscle

 

[Hockey Duckie]

Gunna have crazy mobility on the back end in a year or 2.

Mintyukov drysdale
Lacombe luneau
Zellweger

You're missing Hinds in this mix. He's a defensive d-man and has been preventing entries on his side from the opposition in the AHL. Defend the Nest loves Hinds' defense.

I know Verbeek prefers defensemen playing on their shooting side, but LaCombe, Zellweger, and Hinds have been playing RD before going pro. We've seen just how useful LaCombe has been in the NHL due to his ability to play both sides. One of these three can move to the right side.

Currently, we're weak at RD depth at the pro level (NHL/AHL). Helleson hasn't made a significant jump in play this year as our only RD prospect in the AHL. RD Moore incurred an injury in the NCAA recently. RD Warren has had a slow start in junior and got an invite to team Canada's WJC camp. Both Moore and Warren could be two seasons away from being fringe call-ups. This is why I suggested we should be training Hinds at RD this year and next for necessary depth, plus it will help with the PK unit. Looking at the personnel you shared above, LaCombe is the only constant PK'er of the bunch. Maybe Luneau could become one too, but when?

 

[DavidBL]

Not enough muscle

I think the NHL has proven that Defenses built primarily with puck movers do not fair well. Minty and lacombe I wouldn't call soft but I think the open spot and at least 1 more spot has to go to a tougher defense first D. And that's if you assume Minty and Lacombe also play PK. Can't see Dryasdale Luneau or Zell killing penalties.

 

[Gliff]

I think the NHL has proven that Defenses built primarily with puck movers do not fair well. Minty and lacombe I wouldn't call soft but I think the open spot and at least 1 more spot has to go to a tougher defense first D. And that's if you assume Minty and Lacombe also play PK. Can't see Dryasdale Luneau or Zell killing penalties.

Wat?.....

You can be a puck mover and still play physical lol. You also can be a physical player without being Gudas.

I think its a little early to say those guys cant play on the PK. Jamie was playing way more physical at the start of the year compared to the rest of his NHL career. Minty has shown he can easily play a strong physical game, and he is just going to get bigger. And lets face it, the odds of all 5 of those guys being in the Ducks lineup at the same time for a long period of time are pretty low.

 

[JAHV]

I think the NHL has proven that Defenses built primarily with puck movers do not fair well. Minty and lacombe I wouldn't call soft but I think the open spot and at least 1 more spot has to go to a tougher defense first D. And that's if you assume Minty and Lacombe also play PK. Can't see Dryasdale Luneau or Zell killing penalties.

The Avalanche were a top 10 defense when they won the Cup two years ago, their top four defenders by ATOI being:

1. Makar 5'11, 187
2. Toews 6'1, 191
3. Girard 5'10, 170
4. Byram 6'1, 190

All of those guys would be considered puck movers. I think the latter part of your comment is warranted; it's good to have a little bit of size to throw in there on the PK. The Avs had Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, and picked up Josh Manson. But their defense was definitely built on puck movers, with two spots reserved for people movers. I think the Ducks are going to need Hinds or Warren to work out and will need maybe one more big body.

 

[Static]

2024 World Junior Championship: Standouts from Canada’s first exhibition game

Canada kicked off its two-game slate against the Canadian university all-stars with a victory.

www.dailyfaceoff.com

Noah Warren, D (Anaheim Ducks): Warren brought his physical game to the forefront, doing an excellent job of knocking players over in front of his zone. He’s best when he doesn’t have to go up against a speedster, so we’ll see how it works out in Sweden if he makes the team. But, notably, multiple players have said early in camp that Warren is one of the toughest players to go up against at 1-on-1.

 

[lwvs84]

The Avalanche were a top 10 defense when they won the Cup two years ago, their top four defenders by ATOI being:

1. Makar 5'11, 187
2. Toews 6'1, 191
3. Girard 5'10, 170
4. Byram 6'1, 190

All of those guys would be considered puck movers. I think the latter part of your comment is warranted; it's good to have a little bit of size to throw in there on the PK. The Avs had Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, and picked up Josh Manson. But their defense was definitely built on puck movers, with two spots reserved for people movers. I think the Ducks are going to need Hinds or Warren to work out and will need maybe one more big body.

Plus Minty isn't shy of physical contact and at 19/20 years old, he still has some growing (or rather filling out) to do. At this point I'd probably say that Hinds is a safer bet than Warren to make the NHL, hopefully both guys will be solid defensive D though... and I want to see what Helleson can do with a little longer look, but more as a long term bottom pair/#7 guy.

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

Plus Minty isn't shy of physical contact and at 19/20 years old, he still has some growing (or rather filling out) to do. At this point I'd probably say that Hinds is a safer bet than Warren to make the NHL, hopefully both guys will be solid defensive D though... and I want to see what Helleson can do with a little longer look, but more as a long term bottom pair/#7 guy.

Yep we still have Gudas signed at that point and lacombe/Minty dont shy away from physical play, plus guys like Helleson/Hinds.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

I think the NHL has proven that Defenses built primarily with puck movers do not fair well. Minty and lacombe I wouldn't call soft but I think the open spot and at least 1 more spot has to go to a tougher defense first D. And that's if you assume Minty and Lacombe also play PK. Can't see Dryasdale Luneau or Zell killing penalties.

I can see Luneau killing penalties. Part of the reason Verbeek wanted Luneau with the NHL club was to build him up physically. Luneau's draft bio is 6'2 and 192 lbs. He's put on some mass where we witnessed him easily shrug off a check in the Dzone in a recent game.

Here's some images from the QMJHL, 2022 season. I was research defensive d-men like Lamoureaux and Warren. Surprisingly, I found Hinds and Luneau on those lists.

Hits =========

Puck Battle =======

Dzone Puck Losses =========

Luneau is similar to Minty and Zell, offensive d-men who need work on the defensive end. Minty soaks up instructions fast, Luneau is too aggressive and holds onto the puck too long, while Zell needs some work.

 

[TheGoodShepard1]

2024 World Junior Championship: Standouts from Canada’s first exhibition game

Canada kicked off its two-game slate against the Canadian university all-stars with a victory.

www.dailyfaceoff.com

Noah Warren, D (Anaheim Ducks): Warren brought his physical game to the forefront, doing an excellent job of knocking players over in front of his zone. He’s best when he doesn’t have to go up against a speedster, so we’ll see how it works out in Sweden if he makes the team. But, notably, multiple players have said early in camp that Warren is one of the toughest players to go up against at 1-on-1.

Lock this man with a skating coach and he’ll be a monster.

 

[GunnarStahl]

Lock this man with a skating coach and he’ll be a monster.

Is skating his issue? I feel his skating is rather good for someone of his build. Plus typically big guys have long development runways in terms skating and a few other aspects of the game. Perhaps I’m missing the game context, but my initial thought is perhaps he’s having difficulty reading the speed of the play mentally than physically. If someone has greater insight or viewed the plays referenced please share, I may be off the mark.

 

[DuckDuckGetz]

Lock this man with a skating coach and he’ll be a monster.

IIRC he was one of, if not the fastest skater in the Q a year or two ago

 

[DavidBL]

Wat?.....

You can be a puck mover and still play physical lol. You also can be a physical player without being Gudas.

I think its a little early to say those guys cant play on the PK. Jamie was playing way more physical at the start of the year compared to the rest of his NHL career. Minty has shown he can easily play a strong physical game, and he is just going to get bigger. And lets face it, the odds of all 5 of those guys being in the Ducks lineup at the same time for a long period of time are pretty low.

Fair, I suppose I should have said Offense oriented D. All 5 of our high end D prospects are know for offense and none save Minty is particularly known to be good defensively. I will give you its early to say none can play on the pk but from what we have seen so far its hard to say any would excel there. People complain about Folwer on the PK. What makes us think these kids have better tools than him to PK? As I said I can see Minty and Lacombe PK. Well see what the others can bring but I'm hesitant to rely on them in that role.

The Avalanche were a top 10 defense when they won the Cup two years ago, their top four defenders by ATOI being:

1. Makar 5'11, 187
2. Toews 6'1, 191
3. Girard 5'10, 170
4. Byram 6'1, 190

All of those guys would be considered puck movers. I think the latter part of your comment is warranted; it's good to have a little bit of size to throw in there on the PK. The Avs had Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, and picked up Josh Manson. But their defense was definitely built on puck movers, with two spots reserved for people movers. I think the Ducks are going to need Hinds or Warren to work out and will need maybe one more big body.

Congrats you found the team with the best D in the world. Do you know else they have on their Roster, Manson Johnson, Johnson. Now they have mcDermind. That's 3 guys who play a more physicsl defensive game. Which is what I said our group needed. Maybe I was too liberal with "primarily puck movers" but I stand by the comment that our group needs more guys like Gudas in it then guys like zellweger or Luneau to be balanced. We also don't have a Makar

 

[Static]

Warren made team Canada, so luneau and he will both play for country.

 

[GunnarStahl]

Warren made team Canada, so luneau and he will both play for country.

So glad 3 Future Ducks made that team.

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

Warren made team Canada, so luneau and he will both play for country.

I expect Luneau to be a big part for Canada

 

[GunnarStahl]

I expect Luneau to be a big part for Canada

Potentially a captain?

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

Potentially a captain?

Def a team leader, i think he prob a good option for captain... but well see.

Looking at that canada roster, its one of the weaker team canadas ive seen in a long time. They will be a tough team tho, with Warren and Lamoureux patrolling the back end, and a number of big guys up front grinding away.

USA imo looks really good, i think they may take home gold... Also like sweeden a lot on paper. Maybe weve just been spoiled with team canadas lately tho.