Anaheim Ducks: End of Season Grades for 2020-21 Defensemen

Josh Mahura

Raw Grade: C+

Eakins Adjusted Bell-Curve Grade: B

I’m not entirely sure what the Anaheim Ducks were hoping for from Josh Mahura when they drafted him, nor when they commenced this past season. What I am sure of is that he hasn’t measured up to those lofty standards and that whoever is making these decisions about him is very likely wrong in their analysis.

Mahura played in only 23 games this season and far and away led the blueliners in points per 60 minutes (at 5v5). In fact, he scored at a 20.6% higher rate than his next nearest competitor (Cam Fowler). Interestingly, while he didn’t score in his own right, his ability to be the primary playmaker stands out.

His rate of primary assists rated him 144% higher in that metric than both Fowler and Kevin Shattenkirk, who are both renowned in that regard. This is most likely based on the high number of odd-man rushes he generated (0.66 per 60 minutes).

Perhaps where Mahura didn’t perhaps succeed was on the defensive side of the puck. He was one of the Ducks’ worst across most defensive metrics. However, one of them is not the same as the worst. The players who faired worse than him were all given far more leeway and predominantly played in more games.

Personally, I think Mahura played well in his time with the Anaheim Ducks and I think there is a good case to play him above some of the other names who received ice time instead of him.