NHL.com is giving in-depth prospect analysis for all of its 32 teams from August 1 – September 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Anaheim Ducks, according to NHL are:
1. Leo Carlsson, F
How he was acquired: Selected with the No.2 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
2022 – 23 season: Orebro HK (SHL): 44 GP, 10-15-25
Carlsson signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Anaheim Ducks on July 12, although it is still unclear where he will start the season. The center also played with Sweded at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship and had six points in seven games (three goals, three assists) and five points (three goals, two assists) in eight games at the 2023 World Championship.
“The first thing that stands out to you is his size,” Matt McIlvane, coach of the Ducks American Hockey League affiliate in San Diego said. “He’s a big, tall guy that certainly knows how to use that range on the ice. His ability with the puck and ability to be able to see the game stands out right away to be at a very high level. And again, the thing that was the most impressive about Leo is just his character. He’s humble, he’s coachable, he’s excited. And he’s very, very hungry for the opportunity.”
Projected NHL arrival: This season.
2. Pavel Mintyukov, D
How he was acquired: Selected with the No. 10 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
2022-23 season: Saginaw (OHL): 37 GP, 16-38-54; Ottawa (OHL): 32 GP, 8-26-34
Mintyukov (6-1, 192) headed the Ontario Hockey League defensemen with 88 points (24 goals, 64 assists) in 69 games with Saginaw and Ottawa last season and was named OHL Defenseman of the Year. He will play in the American Hockey League this season if does not get a spot out of training camp, but he will probably be in Anaheim Ducks uniform sometime in 2023-24.
Projected NHL arrival: This season.
3. Olen Zellweger, D
How he was acquired: Selected with the No.34 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft
2022-23 season: Kamloops (WHL): 32 GP, 22-30-52; Everett (WHL) 23 GP, 10-18-28
Zellweger is another prospect for the Anaheim Ducks led Western Hockey League defensemen in goals (32) and was second at the position in points (80) with Everett and Kamloops last season. He (5-9, 175) was named WHL Defenseman of the Year for the past two seasons and has gotten more than a shot to make the opening night roster.
“I think that the goal for [Mintyukov and Zellweger] has to be training to make the team out of camp,” McIlvane said. “And then understand that if the timing’s not right or the plan for their development sends them to the American Hockey League that they’re going to have a place that they’re excited about coming to and a place where they know that they’re going to have a great, clear plan about getting better to be able to accomplish their goals, being able to get to the Ducks and hopefully take that team to another level. … They’re two very dynamic players that have very good hockey sense, great skill level.”
Projected NHL arrival: Next season
4. Nathan Gaucher, F
How he was acquired: Selected with the No. 22 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
2022-23 season: Quebec (QMJHL): 44 GP, 22-24-46
Gaucher (6-3, 208) pounds was exceptional in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last season. He secured 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 18 playoff games to aid Quebec to win the QMJHL title, won the Guy Carbonneau Trophy as the best defensive forward in the QMJHL, and the Memorial Cup. Nathan also helped Canada win gold at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, with four points (one goal, three assists) in seven games.
“He strikes you right away as somebody that could have great leadership qualities about him,” McIlvane said. “When you’re giving a meeting as a coach, he’s one of the guys that’s just totally locked in. Anytime there’s a drill on the ice, he’s so focused on what he’s doing, and you can just tell that his makeup has helped him to have success, but also his success that he had gives him a great level of confidence moving into this next challenge.”
Projected NHL arrival: This season.
5. Jacob Perreault, F
How he was acquired: Selected with the No. 27 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft
2022-23 season: San Diego (AHL): 48 GP, 8-11-19
Perreault (5-11, 192 pounds) had 19 points in 48 games last season in his second full season in the AHL. He has played one NHL game (in 2021-22) but should compete for a bottom-six forward spot at training camp.
“I didn’t get to see (Perrault) at development camp. He has been with the team just a little bit longer,” McIlvane said. “He’s got a big focus for this summer on getting himself physically ready to be able to challenge for our spot at training camp.
Projected NHL arrival: Next season.
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