Five Reason’s Anaheim Ducks Fans Can Look Forward to the Off-season
By Ciara Durant
The 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver
Although it is never fun to watch the team you support have an awful season, there are benefits at the end of the season that could come in the form of a high-end prospect in the draft. This year, the coveted draftee predicted to be drafted first overall is 17-year-old Jack Hughes.
Jack Hughes (U.S. National U18 Team, USDP): Hughes is the type of player who would alter the Anaheim Ducks franchise drastically. If they’re aiming to actually move towards a more speed driven style of hockey next season, he would be a monumental leap in the right direction. He has the ability to drive the tempo of a game, not only because he is swift, but because of his quick wit and playmaking ability.
However, at this point, Hughes is not a guarantee for the Ducks. While the Anaheim Ducks changes of drafting him Hughes grows with every loss, the draft lottery must take place. If the Ducks do not win the draft lottery, they will lose out on the first pick. The good news is, there are still many fantastic prospects projected to be drafted early in the first round.
Kirby Dach (WHL, Saskatoon Blades): The 18-year-old Canadian born center is another prospect the Ducks might want to keep their eye on. He has been compared to both Ryan Getzlaf and Joe Thronton as far as the style of hockey he plays. Dach has an offensive prowess that has helped him to become a dominating force in the WHL, posting 57 points (21g, 36a) in 50 games.
He is sometimes criticized for not being overly flashy, but don’t let that one “downfall” fool you. He has great vision when he is on the ice, something the Anaheim Ducks have seemed to lack the past two seasons. He is said to be a great playmaker and, although he is big bodied, standing at an enamoring 6’4”, he has soft hands. Dach is top end talent and will be a great asset to whatever team snags him in the draft this year.
Kaapo Kakko (Liiga, TSP): Kakko is currently competing with Huges for the first overall pick. While Hughes is the favorite, the 18-year-old Finnish prospect isn’t far behind. Kakko is quick-witted which gives him the advantage over his opponents. Always at least one step ahead, he adds electricity and an offensive flare when he is on the ice.
While only 18, he has shown the hockey world that he has the maturity to play at a higher level. Liiga is one of the most competitive leagues in Finnland and Kakko’s team TPS, is one of the most successful. What most people don’t realize is that Liiga is not a junior league, the men who play are anywhere from 18 to their early 40’s.
He was fifth in points this season, with 24 (12g, 12a) in 33 games. The fact that he has the ability to keep up in a league like that, and be one of the top point producers at such a young age, is further proof that he could potentially be NHL ready for whatever team is lucky enough to draft him in June.
Cole Caufield (U.S. National U18 Team, USDP): We all know that hockey is in a constant state of evolution. When drafting players, coaches no longer prioritize size and focus more on speed and skill. That’s good news for Cold Caufield who stands at 5’7”. Although his stature is shorter than the average NHL player, he doesn’t allow that to hinder him. The 17-year-old is one phenomenal player.
On the same team as Jack Hughes, he has spent the season playing right wing alongside the projected first overall draft pick. While some might say that could hurt Caufield’s chances because he’s bound to be overshadowed by all of the hype surrounding Hughes, that doesn’t seem to be the case. In fact, Hughes has nothing but good things to say about his linemate. In an article posted on NHL.com, he was quoted as saying:
"“He’s probably the purest scorer of this draft class. It’s not like he overpowers goalies with his shot, it’s that he has a knack for scoring, so it’s really easy to play with a guy like that. You put it on his stick and it usually ends up in the back of the net, so no complains playing with him.” -Jack Hughes"
Although underwhelming in size, Caufield has an overabundance of talent that would suit the Anaheim Ducks. He is projected to be drafted around 15th or 16th overall, but in the wise words of Pucks of a Feather site expert, Chris Bushell, you choose the player you want and who fits your team best, even if the consensus is to draft someone ranked higher.
Cole is a laser with the puck and he uses his biggest disadvantage, his height, to his advantage. His shorter stature allows him to be a little more sneaky, which becomes a major disadvantage for his opponents. He has a nose for the net, with 55 points (36g, 19a) in 42 games, and has an offensive touch that will make him a coveted draft prospect in the first round.