After Macklin Celebrini’s name is called first overall on Day 1 of the NHL draft Friday, the intrigue will begin immediately, including when the Ducks pick two selections later.
That’s not unlike the 2023 draft, when the Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard was the consensus No. 1 prospect but there was considerable debate behind him, where the Ducks snagged center Leo Carlsson. But this year, prospects might be rising, dropping, careening and falling off the table like so many deflected, knuckling pucks.
“Last year was pretty straightforward – after one, there were three guys for us that we were considering in that spot and lots of debating between those three guys,” Ducks assistant general manager Martin Madden said via teleconference. “This year, it goes a little bit deeper than that. I would say that the next nine or 10 could go two, three, four, five. Even though the players are quite distinct from each other, their values are very similar.”
Madden said that he “would say we debated between eight players” at No. 3 overall, which is the Ducks’ first of two picks in the first round (they also own No. 31 overall) and seven in the first three rounds.
He also said that their approach was likely to be to select the best prospect available with a mind toward his individual, long-term impact rather than focusing on positional needs or NHL readiness.
Here is a quick glimpse at eight possibilities for the third overall pick by the Ducks:
Ivan Demidov, forward, SKA St. Petersburg
The Ducks are again at Chicago’s mercy to a degree if Demidov is their man, but if not he may well be the Ducks’ guy as he is as close to a consensus No. 2 pick as this draft will produce. Demidov, though perhaps not quite as tantalizing as the soon-to-migrate Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers, is a Russian import with hands, technique and creativity to spare. Madden expressed zero reservations about selecting Russians, despite significantly fewer opportunities for in-person viewings and potential for the occasional sticky contract situation, which would also include …
Anton Silayev, defenseman, Nizhny Novgorod
Silayev towers above the competition at 6-foot-7 and he’s more Victor Hedman than Zdeno Chara as tall blue-line prospects go, showing tremendous agility for any player, let alone one his size and age. The rangy Russian has been linked more closely to the Ducks as time has passed. “Silayev is a unicorn, a big guy who can really skate. He has really good defensive awareness,” Madden said. “He had a great start to the season. He had to deal with some injuries in the second half, but showed he was able to adapt to different levels. Really interesting player.”
Cayden Lindstrom, center, Medicine Hat Tigers
While the Ducks currently have Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Trevor Zegras and Cutter Gauthier as potential cornerstone centers, Lindstrom’s long-term value and potential could all make persuasive cases in the best-player-available argument. He craves inside ice, willing to cut into the middle for the purpose of not only taking punishment in exchange for prime territory but also dishing some out with his prototypical frame and forceful strides. Powerful pivots like Lindstrom are coveted assets, but so are right-shooting defensemen with top-pairing potential, such as …
Artyom Levshunov, defenseman, Michigan State
Levshunov would be a strong fit for either Chicago or Anaheim’s defense corps. Madden said this draft had as much defensive talent as any in the past 10 years. Among a resplendent group, Levshunov may be most widely considered the leader of the pack. The Belarus-born collegian has size, mobility, tenacity, skill and a voracious hunger for the puck. He’s a right shot that has some qualities similar to those of Tristan Luneau and Noah Warren, who are expected to be impact players on the Ducks’ right side. Madden said he considered Levshunov near NHL-ready and viewed him as “a solid two-way guy” with “really nice tools.”
Sam Dickinson, defenseman, London Knights
Rarely does an aspirant have both a high floor and a high ceiling, but that may well be the case with Dickinson. He can defend against the rush or in tight spaces where play gets heavier and less predictable. He doesn’t shy away from contact either, and he notched over a point-per-contest last season in the Ontario Hockey League. He proved to be the best all-around skater among his Canadian junior peers in testing at the CHL Showcase. He maintains gaps and orchestrates breakouts at an advanced level. His game is similarly well-rounded to Levshunov’s, but it’s arguably more polished.
Cole Eiserman, winger, Boston University (committed)
Eiserman may seem like something of a reach at No. 3 based on mock drafts and broader projections, but as a trade-down candidate or with the third pick itself, he gives the Ducks something they desperately need: finishing. Regardless of other areas that may require attention in his development, Eiserman can flat out score. He produced more than a goal a game in three different settings last season, capping the campaign off with nine goals in seven games at the Under-18 World Junior Championships, where the U.S. won silver.
Tij Iginla, forward, Kelowna Rockets
Iginla – yes, the son of Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla – uses speed, anticipation and sound technique to consternate opponents all over the ice. He’s the first to the puck, the first to the boards and the first to pretty much any area he wants to reach. He’s lighter, more agile and more supple-handed than his father was, as reflected by his noticeably better draft-year offensive totals, though he’s also smaller and less physical. Energy and alacrity abound in his game without sacrificing attention to detail, traits that would likely mesh well with the “go, go, go” style of Ducks coach Greg Cronin.
Related Articles
Ducks add Richard Clune to coaching staff
Former Ducks star Andrew Cogliano announces retirement
Ducks to kick off preseason Sept. 24 in San Jose
Alexander: Woe, Canada! 30 years without a Stanley Cup
Ducks sign goalie prospect Damian Clara to 3-year, entry-level contract
Zeev Buium, defenseman, University of Denver
Buium won a national title with the Pioneers this season alongside his brother Shai, a Detroit Red Wings prospect and two-time national champion. The Israeli brothers grew up in San Diego, later heading north to play in the Junior Kings program and then at powerhouse Shattuck St. Mary’s. While Shai was a second-rounder, Zeev seemed all but assured of being a top-10 pick. Zeev won gold medals at the World Championships at both the U18 and U20 levels. “Zeev’s a winner. He’s won everywhere he’s been. He led that Denver team to a championship. He’s a really smart, mobile, modern D,” Madden said.