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Anaheim Ducks Expert Panel: Exploring 2019-20 Lineup Options

By Ciara Durant

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 3: Derek Grant #38 and Carter Rowney #24 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate their 3-1 win over the Calgary Flames on April 3, 2019 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 3: Derek Grant #38 and Carter Rowney #24 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate their 3-1 win over the Calgary Flames on April 3, 2019 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 14: Jacob Larsson #32 of the Anaheim Ducks during the third period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on March 14, 2019, in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Ducks 6-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Third Defensive Pairings

Khalid Hart:

Jacob Larsson-Jani Hakanppa

We’ve seen Larsson up here with the Anaheim Ducks and down in San Diego. It’s time to see what he can do for us on a longer-term rather than a few games here and there. I don’t know too much about Hakanpaa but I do know that is no time like the present to give him a try. Otherwise, what was the point of getting him just to put Michael Del Zotto and Wideman in front of him?

Jonathan Maxfield:

Jacob Larsson-Jani Hakanpaa

This is my prediction for what the lineup will be on day 1 for the 3rd pairings. It’s not necessarily what I think is the best possible 3rd pairing, however. But, with Jacob Larsson entering a contract year, and Hakanpaa matching the criteria Bob Murray was looking for in a big body who can play bigger minutes, I think this is what they’ll ultimately end up rolling with. Personally, I think the best possible option for 3rd pairing would be Josh Mahura and Chris Wideman, but I don’t see much chance of that happening.

Jordan German:

Brendan Guhle-Michael Del Zotto

Guhle came to Anaheim as a very young defensive prospect that had a lot of promise, but his season ended too soon with yet again another injury. Still, he’ll get another chance to make a difference for the Ducks this year, and he can add on to the 1 point he already has. His stat line in his final AHL year saw him achieve 27 points in 50 games, so he’s a decent contributor. If he can come back strong, he’ll make another great young addition to the team.

Del Zotto is an experienced veteran that has really played solid defense over his career. He’s not at all a contributor, but he brings along a defensive aspect that can never hurt. Along with his championship experience last season with St. Louis, he’ll be able to pass down all of his advice to Guhle. He’s slower now that he was when he was younger, but the most important part for him is getting Guhle ready for more NHL play.

Ciara Durant:

Jacob Larsson-Jani Hakanpaa

The third pairing is difficult to put my finger on. They resigned Michael Del Zotto, Korbinian Holzer, Chris Wiedman, and they also have Josh Mahura. However, Jacob Larsson will likely slot in on the third pairing because he is in a contract year. He has one last season to prove himself before the Anaheim Ducks either resign him or send him off to another team.

Jani Hakanpaa also fits Murray’s mold for a big physical defenseman. GMBM stated well before free agency that he was looking for a defenseman like that out of Europe. Signing Hakanpaa and not putting him in the lineup seems pointless. He could definetly aid the Anaheim Ducks, but I question how he will perform at the NHL level since he does not have any experience.

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