Anaheim Ducks: Josh Manson is the Most Qualified Candidate to Wear the “A”

The Anaheim Ducks have yet to name their alternate captains for the 2019-20 season. Josh Manson could be the most qualified for the position.

It has been a long summer for the Anaheim Ducks, and although the prospect of a new season brings about a lot of unknowns, there are going to be a lot of positive changes instituted. Several changes have already been made, paving a way for the franchise’s bright future. However, the organization has still yet to name its leadership core.

Ryan Getzlaf will resume his position as captain, that is the only thing that is for certain. Corey Perry will begin his new journey with the Dallas Stars and Ryan Kesler will ride out the season on LTIR, leaving the Ducks in a vulnerable position if they do not choose their leadership wisely before the season begins. Currently, the fan favorites for the position are any combination of Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm, Jakob Silfverberg, Josh Manson, and Adam Henrique.

It is likely that Cam Fowler already has the job, as he is poised to take over for Getzlaf in the near future. Barring a trade or other crazy circumstances, one position remains open for the taking. Over the past few weeks, we’ve already taken a deep dive into why both Hampus Lindholm and Jakob Silfverberg are great candidates for the position. Today, we will look at one of the most qualified candidates, Josh Manson.

Experience Goes a Long Way

Leadership skills are not necessarily a learned trait. Try as you might, you cannot learn passion, dedication, or determination. Everyone exhibits these qualities in one way or another, but there are some who stand out above the rest, and that’s what makes them great leaders. Josh Manson has emanated these qualities from the day he took the ice, and it has helped him to be a better leader both on and off the ice.

Manson has a long list of previous experience as the captain or alternate captain of his respective teams. In 2008-09, during his second season with the Prince Albert Minots, he represented the team as their captain. During his second season with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, in 2010-11, he was one of four alternate captains. Finally, in his third year at Northeastern University, he wore the “C” once again for the 2013-14 team.

The increased responsibility has done well for Manson too. He seems to thrive when he is relied upon in a new and exciting role. When he assumed a leadership role, his point production increased dramatically and he became more confident in himself. A similar situation has occurred as his ice time has increased over the years, aside from last season.

When Ryan Kesler and Corey Perry were out with injuries last season, he rotated in as one of the Anaheim Ducks alternate captains. Although we’d all like to forget the season, it could fair well for him that the coaching staff and upper management already trust him in a leadership position.

All Leaders Know How to Adapt and Work Hard

A great quality of any leader is their ability to adapt to anything and take it in stride. There have been many situations throughout Manson’s hockey career where he has had to learn to adapt. For instance, switching from forward to defense. While he may have done it at the request of his coach, he took it in stride and that ultimately led to the Anaheim Ducks drafting him.

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Manson is also a great underdog story. The amount of players who make it in the NHL drops significantly if they are drafted after the fourth round. Drafted in the sixth round, Manson shouldn’t have made it in the NHL statistically speaking. Nor should he be playing as one of the Ducks top 2 defenders.

Nevertheless, he worked hard, proving to Anaheim that he had what it took to make it in the NHL. He has worked even harder to prove that he belongs in the top 4 and can be a solid entity on the blueline. He set himself apart from the other defenseman and his chemistry with Hampus Lindholm has continued to blossom. If they can find their groove this season, the Ducks first defensive pairing will be unstoppable.

A Positive Attitude Instills Trust

Although Josh Manson had a difficult season last year, he still maintained a positive attitude. Of course, we don’t know what went on behind closed doors, but he always carried himself in a way that seemed to evoke positivity.

The players already trust Manson, as he has spent the past 5 seasons building relationships with most of his teammates on the roster. If the organization didn’t trust him already, he would not have assumed a position as the alternate captain last season alongside Ryan Getzlaf.

After last seasons debacle, the Anaheim Ducks need a leadership group that is willing to remain positive, even if positivity is the last thing the team wants to embrace. We saw last season how the team’s negativity translated on the ice, and this year’s leadership needs to break that cycle. Josh Manson could be the leader the Ducks need to take a step in the right direction.

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