Anaheim Ducks: Predicting the 2021-22 Season Leaders

4. Who is the Anaheim Ducks Breakout Player of 2021-22?

Brad Senecal: Sam Steel– Everyone this season will be focused on Trevor Zegras and with good reason. If the Anaheim Ducks are going to be successful for years to come the team’s prize will have to develop into the premier player that everyone is envisioning. While I do see him in the running for the Calder, the biggest focus should be on another young centerman looking to find his place.

Sam Steel has been relatively disappointing in his career thus far, even seeming to decline in his development last year. However, Steel has the pedigree of being a solid option up the middle who can distribute the puck while also having an eye for the net.

This is a pivotal year for Steel to prove that he can play at this level and that he is a part of the future for the Ducks. Even if it is not an improvement on the scoresheet, look for the young center to develop into a guy that can be relied on defensively and giving the team a player in the vein of Samuel Pahlsson or Todd Marchant.

TJ Watson: Rickard Rakell- He’s due to have a year where he just soars. He has the talent, he has the skill, I just think it’s more mental.

Chris Bushell: Trevor Zegras- I don’t think it’s hyperbole or out of the question to say he could win rookie of the year. He has the raw ability and overall skill set to lead this team to the next chapter and it will be up to him. He’s succeeded everywhere he’s been and I think the NHL will be no different

Ciara Durant: Troy Terry- Trevor Zegras seems like the obvious answer to this question, but that is probably the least exciting to me because we all know he’s going to have a good year. There are several great options on this team and players if put in the right circumstances, who could have a breakout year.

I find it particularly odd that I am even writing this. Over the past few season’s I have had little hope when it comes to Troy Terry and his future with the Anaheim Ducks. However, last season he seemed to find his niche on the ice.

Last season, he ended the year fifth in points (20pts, 7g, 13a) and he seemed to find chemistry with Trevor Zegras and Max Comtois. If he continues to play alongside those two that will definetly give him a boost, but if Dallas Eakins puts him in a role where his defensive game can shine as well, I think this season is going to be a good year for the young Troy Terry.