Anaheim Ducks: Comparing Contributions of 2020 and 2021 Defensemen

Jacob Larsson

Jacob Larsson seems to be everyone’s favorite whipping boy on the defensive end this season, and at least with regards to offensive contributions, this may be somewhat warranted. Having scored no goals yet this season, Larsson has declined in this area of the ice, and unfortunately, his assist numbers have also declined by ~57.4%.

It’s not a particularly good look for Larsson, though perhaps some blame should be shifted to his regular skating partner, Ben Hutton, who is not a particularly strong player despite what Jamie Drysdale was able to achieve alongside him in his debut game.

Larsson has presented a decrease in overall shot attempts (~0.7%), shots on net (~18.3%), scoring chances (~28.6%), rush attempts (~51.9%), and perhaps most notably, has produced no high danger chances yet this season.

If there are positives to be had within Larsson’s play this season, then it would be that he has reduced his giveaway numbers by ~29.2% and has improved his shot-blocking by 22.9%. Offensively however his only strong improvement is the number of rebounds he has created has increased by ~14.8%.

Given those numbers, it could be assumed that Larsson should shoot the puck more. However, his inability to do so likely stems from the puck being in the other team’s hands more often than not.