Anaheim Ducks Prospect Marcus Pettersson Stumbles in His Debut

Ducks 2014 second-round draft pick, Marcus Petterson made his Anaheim debut this week. Pucks of a Feather breaks down his performance and analyzes what talents he brings to the team.

Anaheim Ducks tradition says a rookie playing in his first game leads the boys onto the ice as his team stays behind and the fellas laugh as the deserted rookie skates all alone. After a couple of laps and more than a few chuckles, the team joins the rookie. It’s a way to break down the nerves a new player achieving his dream.

The Debut

Anaheim Ducks rookie defenseman Marcus Pettersson wanted to make a splash in his first game Thursday night. Boy did he. As the 21-year-old 2014 second round pick entered the ice for his customary rookie solo laps, he stepped on a puck and tumbled to the ice right in front of his bench and all the veterans. This might have to become the new rookie tradition. Pettersson had a pretty decent game if you’ll forgive his second stumble of the night that led to Patrick Kane’s second-period breakaway.

What to Watch For

After watching him skate for a respectable 13:28, you’re probably wondering about this unheralded Ducks prospect. Here’s a brief introduction to the Swedish defenseman playing his first season of North American hockey.

So far this season, Pettersson has played 44 games in the AHL with 14 assists and 22 penalty minutes.  The statistics only tell you so much about him. He has begun to acclimate to the smaller ice surface on this side of the pond, during his time in San Diego. Pettersson has become noticeable at the AHL level.

He’s a tall, skinny (6’4” 180 pounds) defenseman with a long stride.  He also has a long reach, and you’ll probably notice he relies on that reach quite a bit. In San Diego, he almost always played on the left side.

You may not have noticed Pettersson much after the first half of his debut. That’s his game. He was a +2 during the 3-2 Anaheim win. He’s always in good position, although that first-period rush up the left side during his introduction to the NHL had us wondering if he forgot who he was. Pettersson is a stay-at-home defender with some offensive upside. He’ll be the one holding down the fort so right-side puck movers like Brandon Montour can join the rush.

You could tell his most frequent defensive partner Thursday got that memo. In the second period, 37-year-old leisure skater, Francois Beauchemin attacked the crease. Certainly a rare occurrence.

The most noticeable piece of Pettersson’s game is probably his passing. He makes good outlet and stretch passes. I’m not implying he’s the second coming of Chris Pronger; he’s certainly not a physical player or a future Hall of Famer. A smaller, less physical Jaycob Megna, is a better comparison. Pettersson’s passing and positioning will eventually keep him in the NHL.

Pettersson often plays on the second power-play unit with the Gulls. He has a decent point shot, but don’t expect him to crack the Ducks power-play. Head coach Randy Carlyle’s insistence on having four forwards on the first unit in addition to a good supply of offensive defenseman makes that unlikely.

Fans will enjoy Pettersson during his stay with the Ducks this season. Just don’t get used to him right now.  He’s surpassed Jacob Larsson as the most outstanding defensive player in San Diego lately, but Carlyle likes battle-tested veterans down the stretch.

Pettersson is signed through next season when he will become a restricted free agent. If Murray remains consistent, Pettersson won’t be a regular player before that contract extension is signed. Look for him to fight for a regular spot on the Ducks blue line in 2019. He stands a good chance if he can keep his footing.