Round Table: Predicting the Anaheim Ducks Top 3 Picks of the 2020 Draft

27th Overall

Brad Senecal: Jacob Perreault

The some of former NHLer Yanic, Perreault is a guy that can do a bit of everything on the ice. A good 200-foot player, much of his concerns lie in his conditioning and drive to better himself on the ice.

However, his skill set is something that the Ducks could really use. A solid two-way Center (whose faceoff prowess resembles his father’s) who is said to have one of the better shots in the draft, Perreault is a player who also would have a great impact on the team and has much of the criteria that Bob Murray is looking for.

Ben: William Wallinder

After taking Trevor Zegras and Brayden Tracey with their two first-rounders last year, the Anaheim Ducks elect to go with two defensemen in this year’s draft. Wallinder is another potential second pairing defenceman, though his point of difference is his sheer size. Standing at 6’4, the Swedish defenceman won’t be confused with the modern-day puck mover, however, he has made strides in this area and is relatively strong in transition.

Like Sanderson before him, if Wallinder was any rawer he’d be mooing on the skillet. Yet, his potential upside as a “two-way” threat from the middle pairing should see him taken by Bob Murray at the back end of the draft.

Garrett Brown: Jacob Perreault

Perreault provides goal-scoring at a rate that is sorely needed considering the Anaheim Ducks’ current make-up. Draft profiling experts have regularly questioned his skating ability; but look at the success had by Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry— two average skaters, at best. And while the league is assuredly getting quicker and more agile, Perreault feels like watching a player who possesses Ryan Getzlaf’s IQ along with Corey Perry’s shot creation/finishing ability. And that’s scary.

He could feasibly slot in beside Getzlaf in 1-2 years, providing the knack for goals that he has lacked since Perry’s prime. And for those who are justifiably worried about Getzlaf’s impending downfall and eventual departure, a line boasting Perreault and Trevor Zegras would be a logical next step.

Ciara Durant: Tyson Foerster

Consistency. That is something the Anaheim Ducks are in desperate need of, and Tyson Foerster can provide that for the team. While he wasn’t necessarily on anyone radar at the beginning of the year, Foerster has worked his way into the discussion posting 80 points for the Barrie Colts in 62 games. This speaks volumes when you consider the fact that he scored every one of his teammates by 40 points or more.

Along with his lethal shot, great vision, and defensive instincts, Foerster is a special teams mastermind, especially on the power play. We all know how desperately the Anaheim Ducks need help on their power play. Out of his 36 goals scored in 2019-20, half of those were scored on the power play.

While he has areas he needs to improve in, he really took a step forward during the 2019-20 season. Not to mention, when incited to the CHL Top Prospect Game last season, it was Foerster who stood out among his fellow draftee’s. Scoring two goals, and an added helper, he led Team White to victory. That should speak a lot to his character and dedication to the game.