The Anaheim Ducks 2019-20 season is filled with a lot of unknowns, but there is still plenty of reason to get excited.
As we enter August, we’re one month away from Anaheim Ducks preseason hockey. Although we’ve had some excitement for the draft and free agency, we don’t have any games to look forward to until September, which means there are a few months of wondering, fantasizing, and praying before the real games begin. However, despite the unknowns, we’re going to lay down 5 reasons why we should hope for better days ahead.
Youth Springs Eternal
Though the Ducks didn’t get to the playoffs, there were definite signs that the future was looking bright. Troy Terry and Max Jones and Sam Steel brought in some youthful energy that the Ducks faithful were looking for. With Trevor Zegras and co. added to the mix, the Ducks’ youth movement looks very favorable.
Add in young coach Dallas Eakins, and this coming season looks very promising. Don’t be surprised that there will be some ups and downs. However, although there may be some setbacks, it can also lead to a special season, a la 2003.
As we look at the Anaheim Ducks young forwards, the ones that jump out to me that I would keep my eyes on outside of the obvious (Steel, Terry, Jones, etc.) are Max Comtois, Kiefer Sherwood, and Daniel Sprong. Comtois added his scoring touch last year and impressed the fans with his skill. Six feet two, Comtois is a tall guy, but if he can add some muscle to his game, he would live up to his nickname, “Mad Max.”
Sherwood was another young Duckling who slipped underneath the radar. Bouncing between Anaheim and San Diego, Kiefer had his moments, particularly against his home state team, Columbus. The question with him is with several candidates such as Kase, Eaves, and Rowney, can he stick out above the rest?
As for Sprong, he struggled a little bit last year but picked it up near the tail end of the season. When he’s on his game, I think his impact is a big plus because though he’s small in frame, he makes sure his presence is felt on both sides of the rink. If he can continue his success from last year, Sprong might be one of multiple fifteen to twenty goal scorers, but more importantly, he can be a vital cog for a team that’s looking to go young.