It seems safe to assume that Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek will have his energy drinks in hand, but the team’s entire delegation might want to have plenty of caffeine as well as comfortable sneakers at the NHL draft on Friday and Saturday, when they’ll walk to the podium repeatedly.
They’re currently set to select twice during Friday’s first round with picks Nos. 3 and 31 overall, then make seven Saturday picks, five of which will be in Rounds 2 and 3, with selections in Rounds 4 and 6 to follow.
With that, here are eight potential prospects for the Ducks’ final eight picks as they prepare to simultaneously add to their formidable youth movement and accelerate their march toward the postseason for the first time since 2018.
Andrew Basha, winger, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Basha combines speed, agility and vision, all of which were undoubtedly seen plenty by scouts evaluating not only Basha but his teammate Cayden Lindstrom, who was very likely one of the eight players the Ducks said they looked at for No. 3 overall. A swift and crafty flanker, Basha could be an option for the Ducks at Nos. 31, 35 or 58, potentially.
Emil Hemming, winger, TPS (Finland)
While the Ducks won’t draft for need, Hemming checks so many boxes that he might be impossible to ignore with one of the Ducks’ two picks in the 30s. Verbeek has said he wants to balance out the Ducks’ lineup with more right-handed shots, which Hemming offers, while Coach Greg Cronin has sought stronger puck protection, an area where Hemming excels. Both men want more menacing shooters, and Hemming’s shot is perhaps his best attribute.
Cole Hutson, defenseman, Boston University commit (NCAA)
Hutson is the brother of Montreal Canadiens prospect Lane Hutson, and they share many of the same qualities as undersized blue-liners who are flat-out masterful at beating oncoming checkers. Hutson put up a point per game with the U18 U.S. National Team last season and will follow his brother’s path to BU. Like his brother, he should go in the second round, though a re-draft of 2022 would position Lane much higher.
Jesse Pulkkinen, defenseman, JYP (Finland)
In a draft with some intriguing overage aspirants, 19-year-old Pulkkinen might well be the first off the board. He’s 6-foot-6 but has the daring, creativity and confidence handling the puck of a smaller player, all while utilizing the reach and physical imposition created by his size. That he’ll be a likely second-rounder highlights the quality of defense in this class.
Nikita Artamanov, forward, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (Russia)
Another player who got extended looks because of a blue-chip teammate, defenseman Anton Silayev, Artamanov created buzz of his own with his ability to create offensive pace and defensive pressure alike. He has some offensive upside but even if it never materializes, his speed, checking and attention to detail might make him worth a pick, especially if he falls to 58th or is available with one of the Ducks’ three third-rounders (Nos. 66, 68 and 79 overall).
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Eriks Mateiko, center, Saint John’s Ice Dogs (QMJHL)
Like Ducks prospect Nikita Nesterenko, Mateiko is a big, powerful pivot who moved from Europe (in his case, Latvia) to North America as a teenager. Mateiko has shown linear progress in two seasons in the Canadian junior system as well as a penchant for driving the net, creating space for linemates, protecting the puck and defending diligently.
Marcus Gidlöf, goalie, Leksands IF (Sweden)
The Ducks have accumulated depth between the pipes in short order but Assistant GM Martin Madden did not rule out adding a goalie, especially in the later rounds. Gidlöf might not have gotten a lot of love in the various and sundry final rankings, but his length and athleticism are qualities that can’t be taught or developed, giving him tremendous potential.
Blake Montgomery, winger, University of Wisconsin commit (NCAA)
Size, skating and a willingness to cut to the middle all favor Montgomery’s chances of joining his brother Bryce among NHL draftees. Montgomery’s positioning and tenacity are both assets. He’s a project, but one with much more upside than your average sixth-rounder.