Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
It is common knowledge that rookie players in the NHL tend to have higher numbers. When they get a more permanent contract (where they can’t be sent back down to the AHL) they may change numbers to something lower if they choose.
The question right now, with so much talent coming to the Anaheim Ducks, is which rookies will get change their numbers?
Right now, the Ducks have a lot of talented rookies that have been in the pipeline for a while. Some of these talented young men are Devante Smith-Pelly, Hampus Linholm, Rickard Rakell, Sami Vatanen and Emerson Etem.
The fans have favored Lindholm and Smith-Pelly to receive permanent seats on the Anaheim bench.
Lindholm has had a huge opening season with the Ducks in his first go with the team. He played 78 games, scored 6 goals and had 24 assists. This is a great performance for the rookie.
Smith-Pelly, while not having an amazing performance in the regular season, he made a great impression during the playoffs. He played 12 post-season games and scored 5 goals including one game winning goal. His best is yet to come, but he is getting there.
These two rookie players are deserving of a full chance by the Anaheim. If any time is perfect for them to join the ranks of Kyle Palmieri, Andrew Cogliano and Corey Perry, it’s now.
Since, Anaheim may not be done acquiring all the players they want, there may be more to come. As they finish up their trades soon, we will find out if Lindholm and DSP will stay in Anaheim or return to Norfolk.
The question still remains if they are signed: what numbers will they choose?