4. Marcus Pettersson, Defenseman (2014 second-round)
The only pick on my list that has played more than 2 games in the NHL. Pettersson should be the Ducks fifth or sixth defenseman in 2018-19. He is someone I think should be exciting to watch make the leap to full-time NHL player. At 21 years old, Pettersson is still extremely young. He seemed to gain more and more confidence with each shift he got last season.
In 24 regular season games with the Ducks, he put four points up (1g, 3a) while averaging 13:34 of ice time per night. In addition, he was +5, with 27 blocked shots. It’s fair to say he passed his audition.
Pettersson looked a little out of place at times in the postseason last year. So did the rest of the Anaheim Ducks roster so how can I hold that against him. He gets his shot through and uses his big frame to angle off opposing forwards. It will be the buzzword all season but his skating allows him to speed the game up.
The more confidence he gains he will start to push the issue like fellow d-men Cam Fowler and Brandon Montour. Pairing him a stay at home option like Josh Manson or even a player brought in through free agency will allow him to flourish. Fans should be excited about the newest Swede patrolling the Ducks blue line.