The Newest Ducklings: LW Nicolas Kerdiles

This is the seventh and second-to-last part of my “The Newest Ducklings” series on the 2012 draftees by the Anaheim Ducks. The previous part was on G Frederik Andersen. The pick before Andersen was used on hometown boy left winger Nicolas Kerdiles.

Kerdiles was born in Lewisville, Texas, but has also lived in France before settling in Irvine, California.. The 19-year-old is listed at 6’2″-207 lbs. The Ducks selected him in the second round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, 36th overall.

Kerdiles has spent the past two seasons playing for the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) in the USHL and the United States Under-18 and Under-17 teams. He led the Under-18 team with 42 points, 20 goals and 22 assists, in 50 games played last season. While representing the USA, Kerdiles has been very successful. He has been a part of the back-to-back winning team to win the World U-18 Championships. He is committed to play at the University of Wisconsin starting this fall, however, he has already begun to take classes. He actually was in the middle of one of his summer sessions at Wisconsin when he had to leave to partake in the Ducks’ Prospect Conditioning Camp. Then, when the camp was over, he returned to Madison to continue his studies. Let’s hope that this time around, the Ducks’ prospect attending Wisconsin joins the team when he’s done being a Badger.

Many scouts dubbed him either the best American forward in this draft or the best two-way forward in this draft. That’s what his game is all about, being successful in all areas of the game. He excels in both the forecheck and the back check, as well as being very aggressive along the boards every where. He is very sound in his positioning, especially in the defensive zone. He’s got a strong body that is willing to be physical and afraid to deliver body checks in open ice. He has very good balance and does not get knocked off the puck very often. He sees the ice well and passing is very accurate. He doesn’t have overpowering speed or acceleration, but it gets the job done. However, a lot of scouts have been doubting his offensive upside. He does possess a nice shot, but when he’s been given the key role in the offense, he has struggled. Overall, he projects to be top tier two-way player in the league. We’ll see how long he wants to stay at Wisconsin, but I would like it to be around 1-2 years.

Kerdiles on being drafted by Anaheim:

“It was pretty surreal. I had a hint that maybe if I went to the 36th position that the Ducks might pick me up. When they came around, I was pretty nervous. I looked at my family and said ‘This could be it.’ Once I heard my name called and actually my city of Irvine, California, it was a really surreal feeling for my family and me. My mom was crying and my dad was very happy. I’m just very excited to be part of an organization like the Ducks. “

Next up and last, but not least is Hampus Lindholm.

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