2018-19 Anaheim Ducks: Projecting the impact of Sam Steel
The Anaheim Ducks selected Sam Steel in the 2016 Entry Draft’s first-round. His fantastic set of skills is something Ducks fans hope to see, in Anaheim, sooner rather than later.
Sam Steel was selected 30th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2016 Entry Draft. The Androssan, Alberta native has been a dominant force, ever since. Despite injuries limiting him to 66 games during the 2016-17 season, he amassed 131 points (50g, 81a) in route to the WHL in scoring title.
His postseason performance was equally impressive. In spite of injuries ravaging his Regina Pats forward depth, Steel scored 30 points in 23 games. His point total would have been much higher if he had a capable supporting cast. Routinely, Steel would create opportunities for tap-in goals, but his new linemates couldn’t finish. Despite his super-human effort, the Pats lost in the WHL Playoffs.
At this past weekends prospects scrimmage, Steel gave the team and their fans a preview of what they’re in store for once he reaches the NHL full time. His tantalizing skill set was on full display. He left all in attendance excited for more.
Memorial Cup Beast
The 2017-18 season began the same way the previous one ended. Looking strictly at the score sheet, Steel was not having a banner campaign. His stats, however, don’t tell the whole story and Steel remained the best player on the ice nightly. It’s amazing the affect talented line-mates can have on the score sheet.
At the World Junior Championships, the “Man of Steel. proved to be a beacon of light. After being passed over the previous season, he manned the first line center role for Team Canada. Steel scored nine points and played a key role in route to Canada’s gold medal.
Upon his return from the WJC, the Pats added some capable bodies to his team’s roster at the trade deadline. From that point on, Steel’s production returned to his expected elite level. Those deadline additions weren’t enough to get them over the hump. The Pats were ousted in the opening round of the WHL playoffs.
The sting of their early exit from the playoffs was negated by the team’s mandatory bid to the Memorial Cup Tournament. Steel led his team to the championship game by scoring 13 points in only 5 games. Fellow Ducks prospect Antoine Morand and the Acadie-Bathurst Titans defeated Steel’s Patriots in the final, but Steel walked away as the tournament MVP.
An Early offseason Audition
Following this year’s draft, Steel participated in the Anaheim Ducks development camp. The young center’s physical development was noticeable, he appears to have added size necessary to compete. During the scrimmage, it was easy to see he was Anaheim’s top prospect (along with Troy Terry).
Engaged in every shift, Steel was driven to make an impact with the Ducks’ brass. He’d skate with the puck into the boards and all the sudden, his linemate was releasing a one-timer from the slot to everyone’s surprise. The added muscle allowed him to battle pucks away from Team Black’s defenders and control the pace of play.
There were plenty of young prospects participating in the camp. It was expected, older players, Steel and Terry would dominate. Still, it was refreshing to see them rise to the occasion. Their performance gave Murray something to ponder during the offseason.
Ready to compete if called upon
Steel’s immediate road to the NHL is complicated. For the Ducks, the biggest question mark heading into the season is the status of Ryan Kesler. If he’s healthy, the Ducks depth at center is elite.
Few teams can compete with the likes of Kesler, Getzlaf and Adam Henrique manning the pivot positions. In addition, the Ducks will be calling upon Henrique to shoulder tougher defensive assignments in order to limit the physical impact on Kesler’s body.
Having Kesler healthy entering the season is a dream for Anaheim, but the reality is he will likely miss time. Due to the Ducks limited cap space, they were unable to acquire a center in Free Agency capable of filling RK17’s skates. Enter Sam Steel.
Should Kesler be a “no go,” Steel will be given every opportunity to take over a role in the Ducks top nine. His cap hit of $863K is exactly what Anaheim need to fill out the roster and provide flexibility upon Kesler’s return.
Spreading his wings with the Gulls
There is a very real chance Steel will spend time in San Diego this season. He’s only 20 years old and entering into his first professional campaign. Most players, including Captain Ryan Getzlaf, spend extended time in the AHL. Developing players must have extended ice time to ensure they reach their potential.
Next: Observations from the Ducks 2018 prospects scrimmage
That being said, if Steel doesn’t start the season in Anaheim, he will be among their first call-ups. His skill-set is too tantalizing to not get a shot. Not only that, but his arrival is a spectacle that will bring a full house to the Honda Center. Either way, the Man of Steel’s time in Anaheim will be upon us shortly.