Anaheim Ducks Raise, Call, Fold: The Return of Randy Carlyle

3. The Anaheim Ducks are putting too much confidence in “the kids” going into the 2019-20 season. 

Jonathan Maxfield: Call- 100%, I think they are. But, it’s not the wrong call. At some point, you have to see what you have and if Murray thinks his kids are special and the future of the team, he has to let them be that. I fall in the pessimistic camp that the youngsters aren’t “all that.” So, I expect a lot of growing pains, hence why I think there’s too much confidence in them.

Ed Stein: Fold- They don’t really have a choice. The future is now. There are some good young players. Sam Steel, Max Jones, Troy Terry, etc. Sure, the kids will face some growing pains, but they will be a much better team in March than they were in October.

Khalid Hart: Fold- I don’t think we’re too confident in the rookies. We have a rare opportunity to develop a few lines worth of talent. Terry, Steel, Jones, Max Comtois, Isac Lundestrom, and eventually, Trevor Zegras. After all, we drafted all of these guys for a reason.

TJ Watson: Fold- The rookies have us a glimpse into the future. e may not win the Cup right now, but I think we will be competitive and I think being faster helps us a lot.

Alan Negrete: Fold- The reason this is how I feel is that the coaches and all development staff are putting the right amount of confidence in the kids. Reason being, they can’t turn anywhere else. They’re either being deceptive and hoping to keep the boat afloat without anyone noticing that water is going inside or they truly have faith in the rookies, and I believe it is the latter. Only time can tell when it’s time to set sail.

Kenny Marcial: Fold- It’s time for the kids to get their shot, even if it doesn’t get Anaheim closer to the postseason this year. Terry, Steel, and Sprong all require time in the NHL for Murray to evaluate how they fit into the clubs future. Relying on Max Jones and Max Comtois to make the club next season would be a mistake, but I don’t believe that’s the situation. Murray clearly has fallback options should they not be ready, but positions are available for either should they be.

Personally, I think Jones makes the roster and Comtois spend some time down in San Diego. The popular opinion is that Comtois should be given every opportunity to start with the big club. Just a reminder, both Getzlaf and Perry participated in the AHL playoffs at the conclusion of their junior years.

Both players began the next season in the AHL, a development strategy Murray has expressed the desire to follow. As great as Comtois is, there are aspects of his game that can be developed in San Diego and Murray will afford him the opportunity if it’s in the players best interest.

Ciara Durant: Call- I believe that the Anaheim Ducks are putting all of their stock into their youth. That is a lot of responsibility for players who haven’t even played an entire season in the NHL. It could potentially affect their development and mess with their heads. However, if Dallas Eakins designs his roster wisely, it is possible that the younger players will thrive.

I hope it is the latter, but I have a feeling that a few players may end up being sent down to San Diego because the pressure becomes too much for them. They need that experience, but Ducks can’t expect to throw them in headfirst and expect them to “save” the team. They need to have realistic expectations for their youth.