Pucks of a Feather
Fansided

Updating the Anaheim Ducks Draft Class of 2016

By Chris Bushell

TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Anaheim Ducks left wing Max Jones (46) controls the puck during a preseason hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and Arizona Coyotes on September 25, 2017, at Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, AZ. (Photo by Jacob Snow/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Anaheim Ducks left wing Max Jones (46) controls the puck during a preseason hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and Arizona Coyotes on September 25, 2017, at Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, AZ. (Photo by Jacob Snow/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Anaheim Ducks
BUFFALO, NY – JANUARY 04: Jakub Skarek #1 of Czech Republic defends his net against Sam Steel #23 of Canada during t in the IIHF World Junior Championships Semifinal game on January 4, 2018. (Photo by Nicholas T. LoVerde/Getty Images) /

Sam Steel – Round 1, 30th Overall

Sam Steel was the final pick of the first round. Since then, Anaheim Ducks fans have been chomping at the bit for his NHL premier. He has been a prolific player at the Junior level. In four seasons with the Regina Pats of the WHL, he has posted point totals of; 54,70,131, and 83. Steel captained the season’s Pats all the way to the Memorial Cup championship game. Even in defeat, he showed his value when he was named Memorial Cup MVP.

In addition to proving himself at the Junior level, he has excelled on the international stage. Team Canada captured the gold medal at the world juniors last December. Steel was a bit part of the team’s success compiling nine points in seven games.

Steel is quick, has great hands and his scoring knack is equally as good as his play-making ability. He is slightly undersized but in today’s NHL that isn’t as big of a problem as it once was. As the Ducks try to get faster, Steel could be an internal option. Expected NHL Arrival: 2018-2019 

Josh Mahura – Round 3, 85th overall

Anaheim Ducks
REGINA, SK – MAY 27: Josh Mahura #5 of Regina Pats skates with the puck at Brandt Centre – Evraz Place on May 27, 2018, in Regina, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images) /

The only defenseman selected by Anaheim in 2016. All signs indicate Josh Mahura can follow in the same footsteps as current Ducks Cam Fowler and Hampus Lindholm. Mahura played four seasons in the Canadian Juniors. His first two seasons at Red Deer left much to be desired. He produced 9 total points and a -9 rating in 53 games.

Mahura found his footing in year three (2016-17). He put up 33 points in 39 games for Red Deer before a mid-season trade sent him to Regina where he posted another 20. He took the next step in 2017-18 as an alternate captain. On the same team as Sam Steel, he scored 22 goals and 69 points.

Mahura’s defensive game has improved as well. He was a +54 after joining the Pats. Mahura looks like he has the potential to be an offensive defenseman for the Ducks. Now a signed member of the organization, he finds himself in a blueline log-jam. Some seasoning in the AHL should help. Expected NHL Arrival: 2019-2020 (Larsson and Petterson could push this back a year if they play well)

Home/Draft