First impressions are not easily forgotten and the Anaheim Ducks had six rookies making their’s this week. Pucks of a Feather contributor, Jonathan Maxfield, spent the week analyzing the Ducklings and is bringing you our early season rookie report cards.
The Anaheim Ducks are in a truly unique situation at the one week point of the NHL Season. The team holds the second-longest active playoff streak in the league at 6 seasons and they’ve been one of the most consistent teams in the league over the past decade. Yet, they find themselves at this point of the season with 6 rookies on the roster. The Anaheim Ducks have never had six rookies on their roster in franchise history!
That many roster spots occupied by rookies are usually reserved for teams that are rebuilding. Detroit, who the Ducks played for their home opener, is a perfect example. Over the past few seasons, they’ve faced significant roadblocks. They are currently in the thick of a rebuild and also had 6 rookies on their roster during their matchup with the Ducks.
Meanwhile, the Ducks don’t seem to be in that scenario. They fully believe they are a playoff team, and their performance thus far has backed that up. So are the Ducks filling these roster spots out of necessity or due to lack of depth? Is there a possibility that these rookies are the real deal and have forced the Ducks to give them a roster spot due to great play?
Let’s take a closer look at the rookies and highlight their strengths and weaknesses through one week, and up to 3 games played.