Anaheim Ducks potential line combinations for the Rookie Faceoff Tournament
Fourth Line
Blake McLaughlin – Benoit-Olivier Groulx/Antoine Morand – Jackson Perbix/Deven Sideroff
Instead of having an energy line that’s typical of a fourth line, winning the prospect games isn’t important and Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray should be focused on icing as many skilled players as possible. There’s enough potential on this line to ensure fans remain entertained when they take the ice.
Benoit-Olivier Groulx and Antoine Morand will play the pivot. Morand has the higher offensive pedigree, whereas Groulx is a more developed two-way player. The duo were both 2nd round picks at the NHL level and top 3 picks in the QMJHL draft, so they have the potential to develop into middle six centers. Having a player with their abilities on the fourth line will provide their linemates with ample opportunities.
Blake McLaughlin is a player who stood at the Ducks prospect scrimmage. The 18-year-old has already displayed an ability to score goals and was a steal for Anaheim in the third round. Limiting his minutes, but putting him in scoring positions should be on the agenda at the tournament.
Deven Sideroff and Jackson Perbix will be fighting for time on the right wing. There’s more on Sideroff detailed below, but he brings a solid two-way game to the line and his speed can open up opportunities for his teammates. Perbix is a prospect player packed with potential, but I don’t know much about him. It will be nice to see the type of game he brings to Anaheim’s farm system.
Third Line
Jack Kopacka – Julius Nattinen/Jack Badini – Kiefer Sherwood/Deven Sideroff
The third line will also see multiple bodies but will be built as a shutdown line. At the pivot position, Julius Nattinen and Jack Badini are battling to become someone Murray sees as a future defensive minded 3rd line center. Badini has done nothing but impresses since being drafted, but Nattinen has regressed significantly after a standout post-draft campaign. Some healthy competition may get Nattinen’s development back on track.
Jack Kopacka has the makings of a solid checking line forward. He displayed a steadily improving offensive game this year for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, and took his game to a higher level in the playoffs. Opposite him are the duo of Kiefer Sherwood and Sideroff.
Sherwood is a traditional defensive-minded player, whereas Sideroff possesses some higher end offensive ability. The latter is another player that needs to be pushed after getting scratched in San Diego far too often for a player his caliber. At the prospect scrimmage, Sideroff appeared to be the fastest player on the ice. With the organization’s desire to play faster, it would be nice to see him take a positive developmental step and then push for a roster spot in 2019.
Second Line
Maxime Comtois – Isac Lundestrom – Giovanni Fiore
Anaheim’s top picks from the past two drafts team up with undrafted signee Giovanni Fiore. Isac Lundestrom and Maxime Comtois are solid at both ends of the ice, so it will be fun to see if they can create offense while taking on tougher defensive assignments. Basically, can they become the next Ryan Kesler and Jakob Silfverberg?
Seeming out of place, Fiore has an important role on the line. After playing in the Swedish Elite League since he was 16, Lundestrom hasn’t been able to showcase his offensive abilities. Consequently, it’s why Fiore makes so much sense on the line. He and Comtois know how to put the puck in the net, which will allow Murray to see what offensive skill set the young Swede possesses.
Lundestrom should see heavy usage, but there is a chance he won’t be ready for a second line role. Players coming over from Sweden often take time to successfully adapt their style of play to the smaller North American ice.
If he isn’t ready, Comtois and Fiore deserve to be playing with someone who can help carry the pace. Comtois childhood friend Morand could be the replacement and has a skill set that would be equally fun to watch.
First line
Max Jones – Sam Steel – Troy Terry
Outside Maxime Comtois, this trio makes up the Anaheim Ducks best forward prospects. What better way to increase fan excitement than by playing them together? Sam Steel and Troy Terry aren’t the biggest guys around. That makes the 6’2,” 200lbs. Max Jones a natural fit on the line to give it some size.
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Jones will use his large frame to create space and allow the creativity flow between the two top playmakers. Deep within the power forward lies an elite offensive skills set, but he has yet to put it all together. Increasing Jones’ confidence is key to unlocking his potential and his talented linemates are sure to help him by creating a couple tap-in goals.
As important as developing Jones is, I want to see what magic Steel and Terry can create together. They won’t be paired together in Anaheim anytime soon, so this is potentially the only time fans will have the privilege of seeing the duo together for the foreseeable future.
The Rookie Faceoff runs between September 8-11 in Las Vegas. The Baby Ducks play Sept. 8 against L.A. in what we will call the “Access Ramp to 1-5 Faceoff Series.” Additionally, they face Colorado on Sept. 9, and Arizona on Sept 11. Other teams participating are San Jose, and the hosts VGK.