Anaheim Ducks Potential Lineup Options Under Coach Dallas Eakins

Even Strength: Bottom Pairings

Jakob Silfverberg – Sam Steel – Daniel Sprong

Michael Del Zotto – Josh Manson

Rationale: It has long been discussed that Silfverberg should switch to the other wing, in an attempt to see if he can recreate his early career shootout magic. This move would allow Sprong to play as a pure shooter on the other side, with Steel playing the fulcrum of the passing offense.

Steel has the ability to execute plays at near his maximum speed, and with Silfverberg being about average paced and Sprong being relatively quick means this line should be able to generate a slightly faster-paced offense to the other combinations. However, due to Steels inexperience and Sprong being largely incapable on the defensive end, a veteran defensive duo is placed with them in support.

Del Zotto, although not a strong defensive player, is the most experienced of the Ducks defencemen leftover, aside from those already mentioned. It should also be noted that Del Zotto was once thought of as an offensive defenceman, thus coming in against easier competition, and with some good offensive players in front of him, may help to open this aspect of his game back up. His inclusion over Brendan Guhle, at least initially, is more for team balance.

There are numerous young players in the forward group already, so an additional veteran body who can cover for them somewhat may be warranted. Manson is, of course, the Ducks second strongest defensive player behind Lindholm, thus he gets added here for stability. His growing points total over the past few seasons may take a hit, but him moving here also gives the Ducks a strong defensive and offensive player on each of the five-man units presented thus far.

Max Jones – Derek Grant – Devin Shore

Hampus Lindholm – Josh Manson

Rationale: Likely to be tasked as a shutdown unit of sorts, reuniting Lindholm and Manson seems like the obvious choice, and they will need to find minutes somewhere to get their total time on ice to where it needs to be. With two very strong players on the ice, it seems likely that the Ducks would, at worst, break-even in the puck possession game, thus limiting any downside to weaker forward grouping.

Grant has obviously played as the first line pivot for the Ducks in the past, and Shore has also pinch-hit in the top 6, so neither will be strangers to a high quality of competition. While somewhat unfortunate, it appears that Jones is destined for a lower line role with the Ducks. Even with the injuries in last season’s lineup, he was still passed over on multiple occasions for a top 6 role, even but for a short period of time.

However, he was one of the stronger forwards on the defensive side of the puck, and his speed created numerous scoring opportunities. This may not be a high scoring unit itself, but the ability to create chances will fatigue opposition players, which may, in turn, create opportunities for the other units.