Anaheim Ducks Favorite Player Series – Staff Picks

Jason Siders, Staff Writer

Favorite Ducks Player: Hampus Lindholm

January 30, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman

(47) celebrates a goal scored by center Ryan Getzlaf (15) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Honda Center. Lindholm contributed an assist to the goal. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a hard year for me. I’ve seen three of my favorite Ducks leave the nest, so to speak, as Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, and Jonas Hiller all left for greener pastures (or in Hiller’s case, Calgary red pastures).

Hampus is simply put, the player Ducks fans should be most excited about. He virtually came out of nowhere last year and earned a spot on the roster out of training camp. Not only did he survive the season without being sent down to the AHL, he thrived.

Aside from Cam Fowler, Lindholm was simply one of the most effective defenseman on the Ducks roster.

He and his partner Francois Beuachemin emphasized a solid 200 foot game all year. While Lindholm put up significant numbers for a rookie (6g + 24a = 30p), he also quietly kept his own end clean. He utilized his large frame (6’3”, 197lb), swift skating and sound positional play.

Lindholm’s play isn’t flashy. He doesn’t go for the big hit. He doesn’t possess a cannon of a shot. He isn’t an incredibly fast skater. But he plays the game the way that it was meant to be played. He does all the little things right. He reminds me a lot of a young Scott Niedermeyer in that regard. He has an incredible work ethic, as evidenced by his tremendous conditioning testing results in his draft combine.

But what’s most incredible about Hampus Lindholm is that he’s just getting started. He’s the only member of the Ducks actually younger than myself. As he continues to grow into his full potential, Hampus has a realistic shot of becoming an elite defenseman in this league.

Here’s to another great year, Hampus! Go Ducks!