November 22, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Emerson Etem (65) controls the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Although the 2012-2013 season ended in disappointment for the Ducks, with the team losing in seven games to the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim had seen a spectacular postseason from one of its top prospects, winger Emerson Etem. Drafted 29th overall in 2010, Etem made his NHL debut in the lockout-shortened season and played regularly for the club, appearing in 38 of the 48 games. In 83 total regular season games, Etem scored 26 points, including three goals for Anaheim.
However, Etem really made his presence felt in the playoffs. The speedy youngster tied for the team lead in goals (three, with Ryan Getzlaf, Nick Bonino, and Kyle Palmieri) and was tied for third in points (five, again with Palmieri). Just as the Red Wings exploited the Ducks with their team speed, Etem used his game-changing speed and injected energy into the fourth line. After his showing in the playoffs, there was some excitement as to what Etem could do in a full NHL season.
The Ducks needed their young forwards, such as Palmieri, Patrick Maroon, Bonino, and newly acquired Mathieu Perreault to take another step forward in their development. Emerson Etem definitely was one, and the team gave him the opportunity to be a mainstay on the NHL roster.
So, what kind of impact was Emerson going to have on the Ducks in 2013-2014?