The Anaheim Ducks signed their second-round pick from last summer’s draft. He is a favorite among scouts and has been getting better since draft day.
Yesterday the Ducks signed their 2017 second-round draft choice Maxime Comtois to an entry-level contract. The three-year deal will pay the 50th overall selection $820,000 per season, starting with 2018-19.
Much like 2016 first-round selection Sam Steel, Comtois has taken his game to another level since being drafted by Anaheim. This season, he has played 50 games, for his junior team, the Victoriaville Tigers, scoring 76 points (41g, 35 a). Comtois also played in the World Junior Championships this past December, scoring 3 goals, with 3 assists and was +6 for gold medal-winning Canada. As a comparison, the year prior he had 51 points in 64 games for Victoriaville and two points for Canada in the WJC U-18.
Scouting
Reports on the 19-year-old are very favorable. He’s big (6’2, 205 lbs.), strong, smart, and plays with an edge to his game.
From hockeyprospectus.com:
Comtois is a tough customer and is always in the face of opponents, either with his tough agitating playing style or while scoring goals. He can beat goaltenders with his hard wrister and good shot release and is very effective around the net. He is a feisty kid, loves to chirp and is extremely good at stealing pucks.
From futureconsiderations.ca:
A big-bodied, poised winger who is dependable in all zones…big, quick and skilled…can generate the speed to separate from defenders, and has the agility and balance to maintain possession in traffic… reads the play well, getting himself into solid position…plays a 200-foot game, competes hard, shows up every shift, and is willing and able to play physically…can deliver a strong check and separate opponents from the puck with his size… his forte though is his finishing as he has a lethal shot that is both hard and accurate…the kind of guy who leads by quiet example…smooth and effortless…a possible future top-line winger.
All in all, it looks like the Ducks have added another future star to the organization.
Related Story: Sunday Op-Ed: Time for The Ducks to Drop the Hammer