Antoine Morand, Anaheim Ducks 2017 2nd round pick signs ELC
By Ed Stein
2017 Anaheim Ducks second-round pick Antoine Morand signed an ELC. We take a look at his bio, junior career, and scouting reports.
The Anaheim Ducks were able to come to terms on an entry-level contract with Antoine Morand. Last summer Morand was the latter of Anaheim’s two second-round picks, chosen 60th overall. What can Ducks fans expect from him?
Quick Bio
Antoine Morand, selected by the Anaheim Ducks with the 60th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry draft. He is 19 years old, weighs in at 180 lbs and stands 5′ 10.” Hailing from Mercier, Quebec, Morand was Bantam level teammates with the Ducks other 2017 second-round pick, Maxime Comtois.
Junior Career
Morand just completed his third season with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He has been a highly productive payer in that time. Over 181 regular season games, the center has scored 200 points (68g, 132a). This year Morand led the Titan in scoring with 76 points.
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He has been just as dangerous in the postseason, scoring 34 points (10g, 24a) in 36 games. This season is the highlight of his junior career. Morand led Acadie-Bathurst to both the QMJHL and Calder Cup titles.
Scouting Reports
Leading up to the draft, scouts had him all over the place. Morand’s rankings were anywhere from the mid 20’s to 60’s among eligible players. The way athletes are physically judged has changed with the times, at 5-10, 180 (the size of an NCAA defensive back), he is considered small. His skill as a puck handler and passer is high. Here are some of the scouting reports on him:
"“Antoine Morand has proven to be a dynamic center in the QMJHL with good speed and an ability to produce offensively as a playmaker and a goalscorer. What’s so impressive about Morand is the fact that he sees the game at such a high level.Whether it’s seeing things unfold around him and making plays with his shiftiness and quick bursts or a drawn out play where he simply navigates the gameplan and executes, Morand, is a player who has proven that he can make an impact offensively.” – The Hockey Writers"
"“An undersized but very speedy and skilled playmaker. He thinks the game at a high level and is often a step ahead of his opponents mentally. Has a motor that never breaks and keeps working hard in every shift with a great energy level. Battles hard at both ends of the ice.” – Dennis Schellenberg, 2016 Hockey Prospectus"
"“Quick hands and ability to pounce on rebounds. More of an opportunistic sniper who skates lurking in the perimeters and swoops in to get that quick strike chance. Needs to play stronger on the puck and add strength to his anchor.” – Bill Placzek, DraftSite"
The Wrap
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The consensus is Antoine Morand is a slightly taller version of Ducks prospect Kevin Roy. He’ll likely get an invitation to Anaheim Ducks Prospect Camp this summer. Odds are he’ll have another season in Juniors to hone his game.