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Anaheim Ducks: October Player Grades, Forwards Part 1

By Chris Bushell

SAN JOSE, CA - OCTOBER 03: Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks warms up before their game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on October 3, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - OCTOBER 03: Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks warms up before their game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on October 3, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Pontus Aberg: (B-)

SAN JOSE, CA – OCTOBER 03: Pontus Aberg #20 of the Anaheim Ducks in action against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on October 3, 2018, in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA – OCTOBER 03: Pontus Aberg #20 of the Anaheim Ducks in action against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on October 3, 2018, in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

I gave both Pontus Aberg and Carter Rowney B range grades for very different reasons but perhaps equally important. Aberg was claimed off waivers and after appearing in the Ducks opening night tilt in San Jose was promptly sent to San Diego. Not surprising as he looked out of place, wasn’t making an impact, and overall lost. He was recalled in mid-late October and would suit up for the Ducks in seven games in October. Through those seven games, he has gone from lost liability to scoring dynamo and everywhere in between.

He has found the scoring touch potting 4 goals over the last three games and given the Ducks one of the few bright spots the last little while. And while he has been great the last few games it doesn’t make up for the other five games. His only points are two two-goal games against the Sharks and Flyers respectively. But he has been a minus 3 times on the season already.

If the Aberg of the last few games is what we get all season his grade will move up. But he has been inconsistent at best.

Carter Rowney: (B)

ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 24: Carter Rowney #24 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during the second period of an NHL preseason game against the Arizona Coyotes at Honda Center on September 24, 2018, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 24: Carter Rowney #24 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during the second period of an NHL preseason game against the Arizona Coyotes at Honda Center on September 24, 2018, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Carter Rowney was an interesting signing. At the time I didn’t see the need or reason for it but after watching the opening few games it was clear this was a shrewd depth sign. Rowney started the year on the 4th line with Brian Gibbons and Ben Street as his wings and gave the Ducks something they haven’t had in recent memory, an effective 4th line. These three were fast, smart with the puck, effective in their own zone, and relentless on the fore-check. They were not going to take the world by storm but they knew their job and were performing it to a tee. 4th lines are not looked at to score, they are looked at to not get scored on. As a 4th liner, your goal is to break even and give the big guns a rest. And if they contribute offensively its a bonus.

Rowney played in only five games before being injured and not suiting up for the rest of the month. But he was noticeable for all the right reasons when he was out there and was able to score a goal in the Ducks opening night win over the Sharks. He hasn’t been cleared to play since leaving the Stars game on October 13th. But when he comes back he is a great smart depth player for the Ducks to have. Nothing flashy here but he shows up and gets the job done. All your asking for from someone like Rowney.

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