Big center makes debut four years after being drafted
Nathan Gaucher made his long-awaited debut on April 1st. The 2022 first-round draft pick has been in the Ducks' pro system for three years now and has earned himself 32 goals and 72 points in 187 AHL games. This season with San Diego has been his best to this point, as he is nearly half a point per game. Although his call-up with Anaheim was brief, and there wasn't much to talk about in terms of production and ice time, he did do some good out there playing in the bottom-six.
According to Money Puck, Gaucher had started over 40% of his first NHL shifts in either the defensive or neutral zones. For what that's worth, this tells me that he is trusted defensively to a good extent. As well, he registered 6 hits over his 3-game call-up and 2 shots on goal. As well as a drawn penalty. The stocky forward certainly has size and strength on his side and could find himself in the mix for a regular spot with the big club in 2026-27. Forwards he would be competing with would include the likes of Nikita Nesterenko, Sam Colangelo, and Roger McQueen, to name a few.
Defenseman Hinds making good impression so far
Tyson Hinds, 2021 draft pick, has recorded just under 18 minutes of ice time per game in his first three appearances. Playing the majority of those minutes with John Carlson and Drew Helleson, including his debut, in which he was paired with Carlson and played over 23 minutes. Hinds is another big body on the blueline and seems to be a solid force on the back end. He's not gonna score a bunch or destroy anybody in the corner all the time, but he is looking like a very dependable and promising option as the Ducks head into what should be an extended season. Knock on wood, right?
The 23-year-old blueliner has also registered 2 hits and 6 shots on goal. Again, nothing overly flashy, but he's contributing and hasn't been a liability on defense. For me personally, as well as some other Ducks fans, I'm sure, I was thinking he would make the opening night roster back in October. It was coming down to either Hinds or Ian Moore getting that extra D-man spot. Although, in hindsight, Moore has become one of my favorites this season, as I really enjoy his work ethic and presence on the ice, as well as his occasional offensive flair. I digress, but I do very much see Hinds making a serious run at the opening night roster for next season and perhaps getting into the lineup in the playoffs, even with a fully healthy roster.
Final thoughts
I do believe that we will see much more of Hinds this season and that both he and Gaucher can be effective depth players in Anaheim or getting the big minutes down in San Diego, who are making their own playoff push as we speak. The two players also seem to have a good friendship as teammates these past couple of years in SD. Good vibes for these two, and many more good vibes to come, I feel.