Anaheim Ducks potential line combinations for the Rookie Faceoff Tournament
By Kennyth M
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.