Anaheim Ducks Expert Panel: Exploring 2019-20 Lineup Options

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ANAHEIM, CA – MARCH 6: Hampus Lindholm #47 and Josh Manson #42 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate Lindholm’s goal in the first period during the game against the Washington Capitals on March 6, 2018, at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) /

First Defensive Pairings

Khalid Hart:

Hampus Lindholm–Josh Manson

There isn’t much to discuss here. These guys love playing with each other. Manson recently stated in a team interview that they bring the best out of each other. Which is true both statistically and on the ice.

Jonathan Maxfield:

Hampus Lindholm-Josh Manson

I never want to see this line broken up again. In my eyes, and many others, when they’re on their game, they make up one of the best shutdown pairings in the entirety of the NHL. For a team that basically left John Gibson out to dry for all of last season, having to big-minute-chewers leading the charge on defense is the best course of action.

Jordan German:

Hampus Lindholm-Josh Manson

Lindholm has been a great defensive staple for the Ducks, playing at least 70 games in all but two of his six seasons. He’s kept his penalty minutes relatively low, and he’s even a great contributor to the offense. Last year, he had 28 points, 22 of which came from assists. He’s a fast and clean skater that can keep up on plays, and he consistently carries ut his role on defense well. Josh Manson has been a perfect compliment to Lindholm, playing at least 70 games in all of the seasons after his first, and his penalty minutes have stayed around 60 for the past two seasons. He’s not as much of a contributor as Lindholm, but Manson still plays defense well.

Ciara Durant:

Hampus Lindholm-Josh Manson

Hampus Lindholm is one of the most underrated defensemen in the NHL and the best defenseman in the Anaheim Ducks lineup. He is level headed and responsible both offensively and defensively. Josh Manson also adds something to the roster that the Ducks are in short supply of, and that is a defensively responsible defenseman.

The two have proven chemistry and after last season, the fans want to see these two reunited for good. Although it could benefit the Ducks to separate the two and spread the talent more evenly throughout the blueline, I don’t see it happening right away. The two are better together than they are apart, and they bring out the best in one another. There is no use separating the two unless Dallas Eakins feels it is absolutely necessary. If they were separated, however, I could see Manson being paired with Jacob Larsson again, but I’d rather have the Lindholm-Manson duo back together for the time being.

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