Anaheim Ducks Draft Profile: Lassi Thomson

The Anaheim Ducks hold two picks in the first round of the upcoming 2019 NHL entry draft, we’ve discussed the potential selections with the 9th overall pick ad-nauseam so let’s discuss some potential picks with the latter of the Ducks first round picks.

As things currently sit for the Anaheim Ducks, the second of their first round picks will fall between 21st-23rd and 28th-32nd overall depending on how the San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues’ seasons wrap up. Historically the second half of the first round is a crap-shoot as the known commodities begin to dwindle and teams have to decide between positional need, best player available, reaching for someone who they see something in, etc.

That’s not even taking into account the possibility of players free-falling down the draft board (Jakob Chychrun, Cam Fowler, Joe Veleno just to name a few). That doesn’t mean it’s not worth getting excited over some of the potential names we could take, and that’s why I’m going to talk about some of those players over the coming weeks, starting with someone who’s draft outlook varies from analyst to analyst with some having him in the latter half of the first round, and some having him in the mid-2nd round.

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• Anaheim Ducks: Is the 10th Overall Pick on the Block?
• Anaheim Ducks Draft Board Target: Brad Lambert
• Anaheim Ducks: Reaching for Mason MacTavish is a Good Thing
• Anaheim Ducks 2021 NHL Entry Draft Round One Primer

Lassi Thomson, Defenseman From Tampere, Finland- Current Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Lassi Thomson is a right shot defenseman currently playing for the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL where he put up 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points this season. A slightly small player standing 6’0 tall and roughly 190lbs, Thomson plays big for his size. He’s definitely not afraid to use his body to make plays.

Thomson’s biggest asset is his skating ability, however. Often using his speed to create separation or cut off passing lanes and his agility and quick cuts to find open ice, while also possessing startlingly good backward skating ability. Thomson is most dangerous when he has the puck on his stick, with his quick feet and stick he often makes forwards pressuring him to look foolish while opening shooting lanes.

Thomson likely isn’t a plug-and-play guy right out of the draft (which is to be expected for a pick in the 20’s) due to his somewhat pedestrian play in the defensive zone. Thomson can often leave open space for forecheckers by over-committing to his man. Not uncommon for a young offensive defenseman, but it is a concern. The Ducks ability to groom defenseman like that in the past, and the successes of players like Sami Vatanen and Brandon Montour, who had similar qualms to their game, shouldn’t scare off Bob Murray from taking one of the more high upside guys in the draft.

Comparable: Brandon Montour

What do you think? Could Thomson be the Anaheim Ducks next Montour or Vatanen? Let us know by leaving a comment down below!