Anaheim Ducks: 3 Prospects Who Should Make the Team in 2019-20

Sam Steel

Sam Steel’s first go around with the Anaheim Ducks last season was a little rough. Nevertheless, after spending some time with Dallas Eakins, he came back with a vengeance when he was called up later in the year. Who can forget about his hat trick, completed on a penalty shot?

Out of all the prospects who have a chance to make the team this year, I am most excited to watch Sam Steel. His raw talent shone through near the end of the season. Again, we can’t stop talking about his hat trick. His production picked up, and he proved to the organization that he belongs in the NHL.

With Ryan Kesler out on LTIR for the remainder of the season, this opens up a position down the middle. Whereas the other prospects are fighting it out for a spot on the wing, there is no other center in the Anaheim Ducks prospect pool who is as ready to take on this responsibility as Steel is. He is skilled, poised, and has incredible vision that will help lead the Anaheim Ducks towards their ultimate goal.

As the player who was considered to be Ryan Getzlaf’s heir apparent for the 1C spot, up until Trevor Zegras was drafted back in June, he will take on a lot of responsibility this season that will test him and take him to his limits. The good news is, Adam Henrique will be there for support in case he gets overwhelmed.

Prediction: Although I think he would fair better as the Anaheim Ducks third-line center, for now, the coaching staff needs to get a feel for what he can do. Sam Steel will slot in as the Anaheim Ducks second-line center.