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Ducks 2020 Draft Spotlight: Noel Gunler Adds Offensive Creativity to 1st Round

By Ben Thomasian

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND - DECEMBER 03: #8 Noel Gunler of Lulea HF warms up prior the Champions Hockey League match between Lausanne HC and Lulea HF at Vaudoise Arena on December 3, 2019 in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Photo by RvS.Media/Monika Majer/Getty Images)
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND - DECEMBER 03: #8 Noel Gunler of Lulea HF warms up prior the Champions Hockey League match between Lausanne HC and Lulea HF at Vaudoise Arena on December 3, 2019 in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Photo by RvS.Media/Monika Majer/Getty Images) /
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LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND – DECEMBER 03: #8 Noel Gunler of Lulea HF warms up prior to the Champions Hockey League match between Lausanne HC and Lulea HF at Vaudoise Arena on December 3, 2019, in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Photo by RvS.Media/Monika Majer/Getty Images)
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND – DECEMBER 03: #8 Noel Gunler of Lulea HF warms up prior to the Champions Hockey League match between Lausanne HC and Lulea HF at Vaudoise Arena on December 3, 2019, in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Photo by RvS.Media/Monika Majer/Getty Images) /

The Anaheim Ducks’ recent point streak has slightly changed their overall projected draft spot. Swedish winger, Noel Gunler, could be worth considering.

The recent point streak by the Anaheim Ducks has slightly changed the environment the team may be working under when the 2020 NHL Entry Draft comes along. That is to say, it’s realistically pushed them out of the top of the draft, although there is a chance the ping pong balls will bounce in their favor. Specifically, tankathon.com gives them an 8.5% chance at the 1st overall pick and an 8.9% chance at 3rd overall.

It’s a small chance that is dwarfed by the bottom 3 teams in the league, but it’s still a chance. More realistically, however, the Ducks are likely to pick between #5 and #7 overall. Sportsclubstats.com gives the Ducks a 23% chance at the 4th overall pick, while tankathon.com gives the Ducks a 34.5% chance at the #6 pick, and a 26.7% chance at the #7 selection.

Given the overwhelming chance that the Ducks will be selecting in the portion of the draft, today’s draft profile is going to seem a little out of the box. However, what are the chances they keep winning games? Low? High? Who knows! But, we should be ready just in case.

With that in mind I’ll be looking at the player Anaheim Ducks fans will inevitably and affectionately call “the Big Gun.” That’s right, Swedish winger, Noel Gunler, is in the spotlight.

Gunler is one of the oldest players first-time eligible for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, being born October 7th, 2001 (on my sister’s birthday, so according to his horoscope, he’s trouble). An offensively orientated player who can play on either wing, Gunler may have the most complete offensive game amongst draft-eligible prospects.

Noel Gunler Profile

"Born: October 07, 2001 (18 yo), Lulea, Sweden Nation: Sweden Draft Year Team: Luleå HF (SHL) Position: RW (primarily)/LW Shoots: Right Height: 6’2”/187 cm Weight: 176 lbs/80 kg"

Scoring history for each season can be found at eliteprospects.com

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