Anaheim Ducks Post Development Camp Prospect Rankings
Center
April 8, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Trevor Daley (6) and center Shawn Horcoff (10) force Anaheim Ducks right wing Chris Wagner (62) to turn the puck over during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Griffin Foster’s Center Rankings:
#1 Center – Chris Wagner
Chris Wagner played an important role with the Ducks at the end of last season as he appeared in 2 playoff games due to a shoulder injury that kept Nate Thompson out for the Ducks entire first round series against the Winnipeg Jets. He showed a strong two way game and was visibly effective on the forecheck in a number of occasions. Before playing with the Ducks on an emergency basis because of the Thompson injury, Wagner had an outstanding AHL season with the Admirals. He put up 28 points in 48 games and was arguably the Admirals best player. Wagner was a 5th round pick of the Ducks in 2010 and seems to be finding his game as he matures. He could see a big role with the Ducks early next season as Nate Thompson will once again be sidelined until late November with a shoulder injury. Wagner does not shy away from playing a heavy physical game which is something the Ducks love to see and he will more than likely be in Anaheim to start next season, earning him the number one spot at center in my prospect rankings.
#2 Center – Julius Nattinen
Nattien was a second round pick of the Ducks in this years draft and was one of the players I got to get my eye on for the first time at the prospect camp scrimmages. Nattinen is said to be a skilled two way center that will surprise people with his skating ability and hands. I can confirm this scouting report as Nattinen was a smooth skater that impressed me at times during the scrimmages. He came flying down the right wing during a 3 on 2 break and looked across ice for an open teamate but then he quickly threw a wicked wrist shot top corner before the goalie could even react. He has confidence with the puck and could be a huge factor down the road for the Ducks. He was invited to Finland’s upcoming WJC camp and could be the next Finnish Ducks center and possibly the first since future hall of famer Saku Koivu hung the skates up after the ’13-’14 season.
#3 Center – Michael Sgarbossa
Sgarbossa was acquired at the trade deadline when Bob Murray sent former Ducks prospect William Karlsson to Columbus in the James Wisniewski trade. He is a smaller player but his offensive talent is undeniable. His grit and edge to his game are the only thing that could hold him back but he may benefit from a full season with the Gulls. He has some NHL experience with the Colorado Avalanche and could be a player that turns out to be important the Ducks later down the road. If he can get back to playing a strong offensive game much like he did during his first AHL season with the Lake Erie Monsters when he put up 44 points in 57 games, Sgarbossa could blossom into a nice depth center for the Ducks, or quite possibly a nice trade asset that Bob Murray could flaunt at the deadline.
#4 Center – Troy Terry
Another one of the 2015 draft picks that played during the scrimmage, Terry might have been the MVP of the weekend. He had 2 goals and added an assist in the first scrimmage and displayed incredible breakout speed as well as some great offensive instincts. In our previous PoaF article where we gave grades for each draft pick, I called Terry the potential sleeper of this draft. I stand by that statement and feel that he could turn into a Tyler Johnson type of player. He’s 5’10 and 160 pounds but flies around the ice and plays well in all three zones. He was playing with some of the Ducks top wing prospects and was matching them stride for stride and often setting them up as Terry and Stefan Noesen dominated the first scrimmage. Terry could easily jump up my rankings as he also showed some excellent face-off skills, come this time next year he could be a very impactful prospect.
#5 Center – Charlie Sarault
Sarault is a player who may not see much action with the Ducks any time soon. He was a good looking prospect after his Days in the CHL but is one of those guys who has not found his game at the next level. I don’t see him making a push to crack the Ducks lineup this year and he may turn out to be a middle of the road prospect, but his talent is not nonexistent, he could turn things around eventually.
Chris Bushell’s Center Rankings:
#1 Center – Chris Wagner
“Wagner had limited experience in Anaheim this season, as he appeared in only 9 regular season games and 2 in the post-season. However he proved he can play at the NHL level is certainly not afraid to throw his weight around. He is still looking for his first NHL point but should have opportunities to get it this year. With the injury to Nate Thompson he could push Rickard Rakell and newly signed Shawn Horcoff for playing time and be well on his way to cracking the Ducks opening night roster.”
#2 Center – Michael Sgarbossa
“Sgarbossa was brought in as an “under the radar” move at the trade-deadline last season. He currently sits at the 2nd ranked center spot though arguably center is the worst depth in the Ducks organization. He has NHL experience but is far from a mainstay and although he’s ranked high as centers go I wouldn’t have him in Anaheim anytime soon. He is undersized and seems lost at times when he’s out there. This move seemed to be more for stability at the AHL level than anything else.”
#3 Center – Julius Nattinen
“The Ducks second round pick of this past draft. The Finnish center got his first taste of an NHL prospect camp this weekend. He scored a goal in the game on Monday but as noted by friend @Quack_Pack who was in attendance he was “non-existent” besides it. Nattinen is young and clearly the Ducks saw something they liked in picking him in round two. Not sure if he will be in Finland again next season or make the jump to the CHL where his rights are held by the Barrie Colts. Scouts have raved about all facets of his game calling him “a two-way player” and someone that “leads by example”. He won’t make an immediate impact but expect to see him as great center for the Ducks one day.”
#4 Center – Charlie Sarault
“Sarault had a great career for the Sarnia Sting in CHL and when the Ducks got him I thought he’d be up sooner rather than later. That doesn’t seem to be the case as he has struggled to find consistency at the AHL level. He was even demoted to the ECHL for a time last season. Sarault will play for the Gulls in the AHL this year and see if he can rekindle that dynamic scoring touch. If he can the Ducks may have another young center pushing for time with the big club.”
#5 Center – Troy Terry
“Terry is another selection of this year’s draft class as even the Ducks saw the organizational need for centers. Terry had a good showing at the prospect camp this weekend playing with Nick Ritchie and Stefan Noesen who are two big candidates to make the Ducks roster. He showed he can play with them and may be a diamond in the rough find for the Ducks. Terry is headed to the University of Denver after playing with the USNTP and it will be fun to watch him play in the NCAA. He is a couple years away but maybe closer than typical round 5 selections.”
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