Updating the Anaheim Ducks Draft Class of 2016

The 2018 Entry Draft is underway. The Anaheim Ducks will look to add the new generation of young talent to their roster. It’s a good time for a progress report on the 2016 draft class.

The Anaheim Ducks have added plenty to the “next wave” in the past few drafts. Some of that talent that could be arriving in Anaheim sooner rather than later.  To get everyone fired up for this draft class, I thought we’d give some updates on the picks from both of the last two drafts. Let’s start with 2016.

Max Jones – Round 1, 24th Overall

One of two Anaheim Ducks first-round picks in 2016, and one who will compete for a spot in the Ducks lineup this season. Ducks fans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Max Jones and with good reason. Jones is a big power forward (6’3″ 210 lbs) who plays the left side and has the ability to play with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry on the Ducks top line. Jones has the size to play in a fast cycling style. He also has the hands to finish as well.

A stalwart for the OHL’s London Knights for two and three-quarters seasons, he was traded to the Kingston Frontenacs for the last handful of games. Jones finished his junior career with 112 points in 127 games. Not exactly eye-popping stats but his consistency could make someone like Nick Ritchie expendable.

Jones could develop into a great player for the Ducks. After Ritchie’s bust season,  I have to temper my expectations. A year in San Diego will show what the Ducks have in this power-forward. Expected NHL Arrival: 2019-2020

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

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)