Anaheim Ducks: Four of the Best Late Round Draft Picks
By Ciara Durant
Sami Vatanen— Anaheim Ducks 2009 4th Round Pick, 106th Overall
Jyväskylä, Finland native, Sami Vatanen, was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the fourth round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. His stock was expected to rise following his phenomenal performance captaining team Finland in the WJC-U18’s; the young defenseman stood out as one of the best blueliners at the tournament despite the early exit.
Nevertheless, come draft day, Vatanen was still on the board at 106th overall. Standing at only 5’10” it can only be assumed in a league where size and physicality were coveted in a defenseman, the young Finn was overlooked because of his stature. However, despite his size, the offensively minded defenseman was still incredibly talented, and it is a reasonable assumption, with his performance in the NHL to date, that he is one of the 30 best players to come out of the 2009 NHL Draft.
Following his draft year, Vatanen continued his development in Finland, posting three consecutive 30+ point seasons. However, it wasn’t until his first season with the Anaheim Ducks AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, that fans really began to notice the offensively minded defenseman and what a fourth-round draft pick such as himself could offer the franchise.
His first season with the Admirals, 2012-12, the 21-year-old Finn posted an impressive 45 points in 62 games. During 8 games with the Anaheim Ducks, he also scored two goals. The next season, he made the jump up to the big club, spending 48 games dressed as a Duck, and from there on out, he would be a staple to the Anaheim Ducks lineup until he would eventually be traded to the New Jersey Devils for Adam Henrique and Joseph Blandisi.
During the five years he spent with the Anaheim Ducks organization, he grew into an offensive mastermind. While he was on the smaller side, his skating has always been a phenomenal asset and he has incredible instincts on the ice. The defenseman was never afraid to create scoring chances and despite his struggles to get physical at times, he was always aggressive with the puck and during plays.
The 126 points credited to his name during the 280 games he played with Anaheim (33g, 93a) are further proof of his offensive genius as a young defenseman. He became a staple of the Ducks power play unit as he began to grow and evolve in his confidence and was even utilized on the penalty kill. With Vatanen on the ice, the Ducks had more scoring opportunities and had the aptitude to generate more shots.
It was a tough loss when the Ducks traded him, but one that was necessary for the team. He had a tremendous impact with the club during his five seasons in Anaheim, and it is a reasonable argument to say that he is one of the best fourth-round picks the team made in their 25-year history.