NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 31 teams from Nov. 16-Dec. 16. Today, the top five prospects for the Anaheim Ducks, according to NHL.com.[Ducks 31 IN 31: Season preview | 3 Questions | Fantasy breakdown | Behind the Numbers]
How acquired: Selected with No. 9 pick in 2019 NHL Draft2019-20 season: Boston University (NCAA): 33 GP, 11-25-36
The 19-year-old center signed a three-year, entry-level contract March 27 after playing one season for Boston University. He ranked second among NCAA freshmen in assists and was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie team. Zegras (6-foot, 169 pounds), who plays a 200-foot game, likely will play in the American Hockey League before becoming a regular in the NHL.
“The year was great in terms of getting stronger and more ready to play in the NHL,” Zegras said. “That’s my goal. In all aspects, it was the next step in my career going from playing in the junior leagues to a men’s league. It was great for my development in that regard.”
Projected NHL arrival: Next season
Video: Zegras on surreal feeling, witnessing USNTDP thrive
How acquired: Selected with No. 6 pick in 2020 NHL Draft2019-20 season: Erie (OHL): 49 GP, 9-38-47
The 18-year-old, who signed a three-year, entry-level contract Nov. 7, was named an Ontario Hockey League First All-Star Team last season and was the second defensemen selected in the 2020 draft (Jake Sanderson, Ottawa Senators, No. 5). Drysdale (5-11, 175) scored 22 of his 47 points for Erie last season on the power play, an area of need for the Ducks, who ranked 30th in the NHL with the man-advantage last season (14.7 percent).
“I know right-handed defensemen, especially good ones, are hard to come by,” coach Dallas Eakins said. “When we drafted Mr. Drysdale, my phone lit up quickly from people who have seen him and just [had] nothing but outstanding things to say about the kid, not only as a person, but his game, his ability to separate with his feet, to move the puck, to have an offensive mind on the game.”
Projected NHL arrival: 2022-23
Video: Top plays from Jamie Drysdale
How acquired: Selected with No. 23 pick in 2018 NHL Draft2019-20 season: Anaheim: 15 GP, 0-4-4; San Diego (AHL): 43 GP, 6-15-21
The 21-year-old center played 15 games with the Ducks last season after he had two assists in 15 games with them in 2018-19. Lundestrom (6-0, 187) has split time between Anaheim and San Diego of the AHL the past two seasons, but a solid training camp could earn him a forward spot.
Projected NHL arrival: This season
How acquired: Selected with No. 27 pick in 2020 NHL Draft2019-20 season: Sarnia (OHL): 57 GP, 39-31-70
The 18-year-old right wing, who led Sarnia in goals and power-play goals (15) last season, signed a three-year, entry-level contract Nov. 5. Perreault (5-11, 192) has an offensive skill set along with strong skating ability. He was selected to the OHL First All-Rookie Team in 2018-19, when he scored 55 points (30 goals, 25 assists) in 63 games for Sarnia.
“I played with his father (Yanic Perreault, with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1998-99 season) a little bit many, many moons ago, and if this young man is anything like his father was, he’s going to be just a 10-out-of-10 person and a tireless worker,” Eakins said. “The things that I’ve heard, he’s a real shooter, he’s really dedicated to his game.”
Projected NHL arrival: 2022-23
Video: 31 in 31: Anaheim Ducks 2020-21 season preview
How acquired: Selected with No. 54 pick in 2018 NHL Draft2019-20 season: Halifax (QMJHL): 26 GP, 15-26-41; Moncton (QMJHL): 29 GP, 14-23-37
The 20-year-old center followed up an 80-point season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2018-19 with 78 points last season for Halifax and Moncton. Groulx (6-2, 195) won the Guy Carbonneau Trophy as the top defensive forward in the WHL last season and is expected to begin this season in the AHL.
Projected NHL arrival: 2022-23