The Anaheim Ducks stunned the NHL by taking Beckett Sennecke with the third-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. The early consensus was that Anaheim reached to take Sennecke so high. But judging from this season’s first few games, it looks like the Ducks knew something others didn’t.
The 19-year-old has played eight games this season, scoring three goals and five points. That’s a solid total that figures to get better with time. Sennecke has found a home in the Ducks’ kid line with Mason McTavish and Cutter Gauthier. The line has been consistently dangerous this season, with Sennecke playing a key role in the group’s success.
That situation led one anonymous Western Conference scout to tout Sennecke’s impact thus far. In an October 23 piece published on RG Media, the anonymous scout had this to say about Sennecke’s play so far this season:
“He’s settled in quite nicely on Anaheim’s McTavish, playing almost 19 minutes a game or so. He isn’t afraid to go to the net, and his chemistry with McTavish really brings out the best in him.”
Indeed, the chemistry has been there. McTavish, who headlined a contract saga of his own this past summer, has not shown any signs of the saga affecting him. That confidence has rubbed off on Sennecke and Gauthier, making them a strong presence on the ice.
The scout added:
“He’s going to have to shore up the two-way aspects of his game, but the Ducks are a fun team to watch again and he’s been a big part of the out of the gate. For me, it’s going to be the physicality and learning curve of the NHL that is going to make or break his rookie season.”
If Sennecke can round out the remaining aspects of his game, he could become that game-breaking forward the Ducks have been looking for. Since the Ducks aren’t quite ready to contend yet, there is still plenty of time for Sennecke to grow in his NHL role.
Ducks rookie faces considerable competition in Calder Race
Beckett Sennecke faces considerable competition in this season’s Calder Trophy race. The favorite is Montreal Canadiens’ forward Ivan Demidov. Demidov has hit the ground running since debuting in last spring’s playoffs.
Then, there is New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer. The 18-year-old made the Islanders out of camp, and while he wasn’t expected to be this good this soon, he’s jumped to the forefront of the Calder conversation.
Other names emerge as competitors, such as Minnesota Wild defenseman Zeev Buium and Detroit Red Wings forward Emmitt Finnie. But even if Sennecke doesn’t make much headway in the Calder conversation, he’s poised to become one of the NHL's brightest young forwards.