This season, we got a taste of what the future will look like for the Anaheim Ducks and it has inspired excitement within Ducks Nation.
Despite the failures of the 2018-19 season, one thing is clear: the future of the Anaheim Ducks is bright and extremely promising. They are in the beginning stages of the changing of the guard and before we know it, the veterans will retire and the rookies will take their place in the spotlight.
We were given a small taste this season when several rookies joined the roster. They may not have had incredible performances, due to several issues within their system, but they certainly inspired excitement and anticipation.
Most Exciting Player of the Season— Honorable Mentions
Daniel Sprong (15% of the vote): After being robbed of opportunities in Pittsburgh, Daniel Sprong came to Anaheim with hopes of open doors. Sprong was inserted into the lineup right away and ended up playing 63 games for the Anaheim Ducks and registered 23 points (14g, 9a.)
He brought much-needed speed to the ice, and his shot is absolutely incredible. With a little more stability and a full season under his belt, it would be no surprise if he becomes one of the Ducks more consistent goalscorers in the next season or two.
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Max Jones (19% of the vote): Since he was drafted by the Ducks in 2016, Max Jones has been one of the more favorited prospects in the system. Unfortunately, an injury kept him from making the opening night roster with the Anaheim Ducks. The good news is, he blossomed in his confidence under Dallas Eakins when he joined the San Diego Gulls.
When he received his call-up from the parent club, Jones proved that he is, in fact, NHL ready. During every game, he was constantly going to the net and creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. Despite the fact that he was constantly snake bitten by the opposing team’s goaltender, he finally scored his first NHL goal.
Troy Terry (27% of the vote): Troy Terry started off the season with the Anaheim Ducks and was one of the prospects we were most excited to watch. We were left disappointed early in the season, and he was sent down to San Diego. However, he also grew tremendously during his time with the Gulls into a player who was showing signs of being NHL ready.
Terry returned to the Ducks and exuded confidence and showed a side of himself that was both dynamic and sophisticated. His point totals may not tell the whole story, but as the season went on, he became more self-assured in front of the net and his chemistry with his teammates grew.
Most Exciting Player of the Season— Maxime Comtois (39% of the vote)
Max Comtois only played 10 games with the Anaheim Ducks, registering 7 points. While he didn’t spend a lot of time with the parent club, he made a pretty big impression. During the season opener, it took him only 46 seconds to score the game-opening goal.
Despite his young age, he has proven to be a dependable asset to his teammates. His speed was welcomed on a roster that was stuck in their physical ways. He always seems to be playing several steps ahead of the opposing team, which gives him a distinct advantage. He is quick to think, with incredible hockey IQ, and his passes are incredibly accurate.
Comtois has shown promise at every level he has played and he seems to be a natural goal scorer, which is something the Anaheim Ducks have been desperately missing. Although the Ducks did not make the playoffs, we were able to see him perform with the San Diego Gulls in their run for the Calder Cup. His 9 points in 12 games, as well as his 15 points in 16 games with his QMJHL team, inspires exhilaration for future Stanley Cup runs with the Anaheim Ducks.
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