Anaheim Ducks Expert Panel: Exploring 2019-20 Lineup Options

Second Line Combinations

Khalid Hart:

Max Comtois–Adam Henrique-Ondrej Kase

I’m going to go against the grain here and pair Comtois with Henrique and Kase. Last season, Comtois put up and excellent 7 points in 10 games. So, this season, let’s see what he can do with a full season spot. Last season, Henrique and Kase did show signs of chemistry before Kase went down with an injury. I’m expecting a resurgent Kase this season.

Jonathan Maxfield:

Nick Ritchie-Adam Henrique-Ondrej Kase

Kase is due for a breakout season should he be able to stay healthy, and even though a large portion of the fanbase is anti-Ritchie, and while I’m not the biggest fan of his either due to his boneheaded penalties, he did show signs of improvement last season.

I think he and Kase make a formidable duo nad Henrique is the second-best center on the team. Ritchie driving the net, Kase using his motor to find open space, and Henrique distributing the puck seems like a recipe for success.

Jordan German:

Carter Rowney-Adam Henrique-Ondrej Kase

Rowney was a free agency pick-up last offseason that proved to be the only one that would stay out of that group. He’s great with his faceoffs and getting the puck. He managed 20 points in 66 games last season despite the fact that an injury kept him out for a while. He’s a great compliment to an even greater center that shares his line.

Henrique has been a fan favorite for a reason, as he’s made an immediate impact for the team since he was acquired in 2018. He capped off last year with 42 points in 82 games played and was always reliable when other players went down with injuries. His ability to generate scoring chances can easily result in 2 or 3 assists per game.

Ondrej Kase is another young player that has already made a name for himself in Anaheim, 58 points over his last 96 games played over the last two seasons. He was one of the unfortunate skaters that went down with a nasty injury last season but considered how hot he was when he was healthy, his addition back into a super-strong secondary scoring line will prove to make the Anaheim Ducks a much better team than last year.

Ciara Durant:

Devin Shore–Sam Steel-Jakob Silfverberg

Sam Steel is prized to take over one of the top 2 center spots. I do still believe that he should be eased in as the third line center this season, but I think Dallas Eakins has confidence in Steel, his talents, and what he can bring to the team. Anchoring him in at center between two players like Jakob Silfverberg and Devin Shore will help keep him comfortable, accountable, and give him the ability to showcase his talent on the ice.

Silfverberg and Shore also allow the line to be defensively responsible and shutdown other lines, while also still aiding Steel on the offensive side of things. While Silfverberg would also fair well on the first line, I believe the Anaheim Ducks need to evenly distribute both their leaders as well as their talent throughout the lineup. Shore seems to be more of the setup man, whereas both Steel and Silfverberg have proven that they can both score goals.