Anaheim Ducks: Predicting the 2021-22 Season Leaders

A new season means an equal opportunity and a clean slate for every player on the Anaheim Ducks to step up and make positive changes on the ice. There are still many questions surrounding the identity of the team, but the players seem ready for the challenges they may have to face over the next several months.

We are still unsure of what the 2021-22 season will hold, but we are making predictions nonetheless. Our staff was challenged to answer six questions about the leaders of the upcoming season. As the season commences, we will get to see who’s predictions unfold and who’s don’t.

1. Who Will be the Anaheim Ducks Point Leader?

Brad Senecal: Rickard Rakell– This has a bit of an asterisk to it as well because I believe the team’s leading scorer will not be playing for the team at the season’s end. Bob Murray recently discussed how all the moves going forward will be focused on the team’s future, admitting publicly that the Ducks are in fact a rebuilding team moving forward. With that being said it now looks like we will see pieces shipped off during the season if the team struggles again.

I believe one of those pieces will be Rakell as he is on the final year of his contract. That being said most fans are familiar with the push that players tend to have on the final year of their contract. Finishing a deal with a $3.75m cap hit, Raks will be looking to get paid so I see him having a solid start of the year. Even if he is traded within the season, look for him to come out of the gates hot and still finish on top of the team in points while playing only a portion of the games.

TJ Watson: Ryan Getzlaf– Outside of VGK and EDM, I think ANA can be the next best team in the newly revamped Pacific division. If that is the case, Getzlaf has to lead the way. I think the Ducks go as he goes.

Chris Bushell: Rickard Rakell- I like Rakell a lot, he can be streaky and I think it’s obvious he can’t carry a line of his own. But, surround him with good offensive talent and he has the skill set to fill up the score sheet. Also, and maybe burying the lead, it’s a contract year for him and no matter the sport, athletes always find that next gear when money is on the line. He’s 28 and probably looking for his next big payday. Whether it’s in Anaheim is another discussion but I expect Rakell to return to form and could see 70-75pts.

Ciara Durant: Trevor Zegras– Assuming Trevor Zegras makes the team out of training camp, I think he is going to have an outstanding rookie season. We saw what he could do last year in a limited role in 24 games. While it wasn’t overwhelming, the more comfortable he got on the ice, the better his performance.

With the likelihood Dallas Eakins and the Anaheim Ducks allow him to take on more responsibility on the first or second line, this is Zegras’ chance to prove why we drafted him in the first place. Although I don’t think he will win, I think he’s going to make a pretty convincing argument to put him in the race for the Calder Cup. Lil Gouda can score goals, but if Eakins pairs him with someone who can also score, I believe the duo will be unstoppable with the “Wizard of Pass” leading the way.

2. Who Will Lead the Anaheim Ducks in Goal Scoring?

Brad Senecal: Max Comtois– I am not going really off the board with this one because I believe Comtois had a campaign to build on last year and will do that. In each of his campaigns, the young forward has shown he has a nose for the net and this year will be no different. Building on his chemistry built with Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry from last year, two players who are best at looking to create scoring chances than taking to the net themselves, I believe 25-30 goals for Comtois is not out of reach.

TJ Watson: Max Comtois- Comtois raised his game last year and I expect it to improve again this year in the goal-scoring department.

Chris Bushell: Max Comtois- Probably the easy answer on this one but how can you not pick him again. He potted 16 last year in 55 games. With now knowing what it takes at the NHL level, and playing significant time with Trevor Zegras, I don’t think a 30 goal campaign is out of the question.

Ciara Durant: Adam Henrique– There is no doubt in my mind that Max Comtois is due for another stellar season of goal scoring. Nevertheless, I’d like to challenge the answer of my fellow writers. Despite starting the season at a pace that eventually saw him sent down, Adam Henrique still managed to end last season second on the team in goals. Appearing in 10 fewer games, the veteran center was still on pace to tie Comer in goals at the conclusion of the season.

He also lead the team in goals the season prior, in 2019-20, and was tied for second in 2018-19. While Comtois may have youth and innovation on his side, Henrique has the experience and the dedication. It is unlikely he will want a repeat of last season, and with Bob Murray finally coming to terms with a rebuild, anyone’s job could be on the line.

Rico is more than likely going to push himself to be better than last season to ensure job security, challenging Comtois for the number one spot. Both players are as good as any to lead the team, but either way, I would expect him to be one of the top point producers and goal scorers on the team.

3. Who Will be the Anaheim Ducks Penalty Leader?

Brad Senecal: Josh Manson– Playing in a division with such skilled players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Johnny Gaudreau, and Elias Pettersson is a hassle for any defenseman. If the Anaheim Ducks wish to be successful this season it will be important for Manson to be healthy and be the shutdown guy we have seen in the past.

While taking the opportunity to go against the NHLs best, it will cost Manson at some points as it comes with the territory. Additionally, we know the son of the former NHL enforcer rarely hesitates to defend his teammates and drop his gloves. While he will still play responsibly, look for Manson to be the team’s lead in PIMs.

TJ Watson: Josh Manson. I think his bruising style of play will work against him. Particularly when the Ducks play Edmonton and Vegas.

Chris Bushell: Max Jones– I am only picking Jones because it honestly causes me physical pain to see Derek Grant and Nicolas Deslauriers on this team. Jones plays with an edge in all zones and that can lead to lots of penalty minutes. Could see Manson as well but going, Jones.

Ciara Durant: Nicolas Deslauriers– Despite all the love in our hearts for Nicolas Deslauriers, one thing is for certain, he is a glorified face puncher. With the Ducks fully embracing a rebuild, I have a feeling we’re going to see Des drop the gloves more often than not to get his team and the fans riled up and lift everyone’s spirits.

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.

5. Who has the Biggest Comeback of 2021-22?

Brad Senecal: Jakob Silfverberg– I would really like to say Adam Henrique based on his previous success and his contract. But looking at the depth of center with Trevor Zegras, Sam Steel, Ryan Getzlaf, Derek Grant, and even Isac Lundestrom, I really do not know what his role will be on this team.

Instead, I am going to go with the guy I think will still have a prominent role on this team for years to come in Silfverberg. While the scoring has slightly been on the decline the veteran winger is still a big body who can be relied on defensively.

While many players will be looking to secure their roles within the organization moving forward, look for Silfverberg to continue to be the reliable defensive forward and close in again on another 20 goal season.

TJ Watson: John Gibson/Jakob Silfverberg- I think both players will have comeback seasons for different reasons. Silfverberg has been snakebit, struggling to score goals. This year he strikes back with a vengeance.

For Gibson, I think this is the year the Anaheim Ducks defense takes a step and the offense takes flight. If that happens, Gibson can finally relax a bit.

Chris Bushell: Jakob Silfverberg- I wanted to say Sam Steel but I think Silfverberg is finally healthy and ready to return to form. The prospect of seeing his shot on a line that should have Getzlaf’s passing is fun to think about. And should lead to many goals.

Ciara Durant: Hampus Lindholm– Lindholm has been one of those players that just can’t seem to steer clear of the dreaded injury bug. He spent most of the season sidelined last year, playing just 18 games. He is finally healthy again, and I have a feeling that with Cam Fowler, Josh Manson, and Hampus Lindholm, the Ducks blueline might be a strong suit for them this year, with Lindholm leading the way.