Ducks desperately needed a first overall one of the last couple of years, but are probably the least lucky team when it comes to draft lottery (after maybe the Coyotes?). The picks tend to be in the range where there isn't a clear cut selection. It was a toss up between Carlsson and Fantilli, but neither one has really set themselves apart from the other. The McTavish year was right after the clear top 2 (Power and Beniers) and a bad year to pick because of the lost year due to Covid. Celebrini was the only consensus last year, no guaranteed game breaker after that.
There is one line that's really working, and Gauthier has started looking better. LaCombe has looked amazing the last few weeks. The backbone of the team has been goaltending... including Gibson actually looking good again. The team isn't winning by playing amazing offense, they're not particularly interesting. They're working on playing a more structured, better defensive system.
None of the kids may ever be a game breaker/superstar (though Carlsson shows flashes of it and McTavish looked dominant out of the gate last year), but the team has a lot of depth coming up. If Rantanen or Marner hit free agency, Ducks should make a pitch because they really need a top 6 wing. Killorn really doesn't fit with Carlsson and his other wing is a 4th liner in Leason. One of those guys really helps solidify the lines.
Zegras-Carlsson-Rantanen/Marner
Vatrano-Strome-Terry
Gauthier-McTavish-Colangelo
Killorn-Lundestrom-Leason
LaCombe-Gudas
Minty-Trouba
Zellweger-Helleson
Gibson/Dostal
That team might actually make playoffs, and could be more than an easy out for other teams. Not saying they're a contender, but a hot goalie can steal a series and Ducks have two guys with the potential to do that. Dostal already came up big at the World Championships, if he has 4 lights out games that team can give anyone trouble.