Anaheim Ducks Choices for 6TH Overall
The Ducks were unlucky for the second straight year. The NHL Draft Lottery awarded them the 6th overall pick. In a very controversial draft lotto, a play-in team won the first overall pick, which will inevitably become Alexis Lafreniere. The Ducks have selected sixth overall once before selecting Swedish defenseman Hampus Lindholm back in the 2012 NHL Draft. The Ducks still have a lack of quality at quite literally every position except for in goal. This year's draft certainly has players who can point the franchise in the right direction.
ALEXANDER HOLTZ
Position: Right Wing
Shot: Right
Something the Ducks have lacked since the days prime Scorey Perry himself graced Anaheim's bench, a true, star, goal scorer. The last time an Anaheim Duck scored more than 30 goals was the 2017-18 season when Swedish winger Rickard Rakell lit the lamp 34 times in an all-star season. Alexander Holtz's best ability is goal-scoring, hands down. His release is arguably the best in the 2020 class. His 9 goals in 35 games in the SHL is quite impressive on a good Djurgardens IF team. His style of play suits the Anaheim Ducks brand, tough and intelligent. Placing his hockey IQ alongside a Trevor Zegras or Sam Steel will profit all skaters on the ice. Holtz may be the ideal pick at six of the Ducks. He is almost certainly going to score goals in large numbers at the NHL level.
JAMIE DRYSDALE
Position: Defense
Shot: Right
Jamie Drysdale is the best defenseman available in this draft. There isn't anywhere around that fact. He is very similar to Colorado Avalanche star, Cale Makar. He moves the puck well and his hockey sense baffles defenders which creates numerous scoring chances without making his other defensive partner work harder with careless passes and risky, flashy moves. If he pans out to be what people say he will be he will be the best Ducks defenseman since Scott Niedermayer. All the Ducks do is hope that he falls to them at six as he is projected to get selected in the top 5. Drysdale skates extremely well and can evade any impending danger when skating with the puck. His confidence is through the roof for a defenseman of his age. He has the maturity of a grizzled NHL vet and can potentially help the Ducks defensive core immediately. His potential can cap out at Norris Calibre defenseman. He is almost certainly going to be a top-4 defenseman in the NHL.
LUCAS RAYMOND
Position: Right Wing
Shot: Right
Lucas Raymond might be the most well-rounded player in the draft other than Alexis Lafreniere, Quinton Byfield, and Tim Stutzle. Most classify Raymond as a highly-skilled two-way forward who can potentially do some goal scoring damage and even be a decisive penalty killer. Lucas Raymond's game largely depends on his release and vision. Raymond rarely takes penalties as he is a very disciplined player who draws plenty of penalties as seen in the previous World Juniors. His forechecking skills are unmatched this year as he is tenacious. He makes up for his small stature with his fantastic foot speed and his quick turns and agility. His NHL comparable is the Vegas Golden Knights two-way standout Mark Stone. He may very well be a future Selke candidate.
MARCO ROSSI
Position: Center
Shot: Left
The undersized Rossi who stands at 5'9" makes up for his lack of size with the use of his extremely fluid hands and his sensational speed. His talent is something to be recognized even though he isn't the tallest player there is. He plays like he is 6'4" though as he plays with the most heart out of all draft-eligible skaters in the draft. Rossi is extremely skilled yet smart. He doesn't make the flashy plays, he is very smart much like the rest of the prospects that may be available to the Ducks. When playing against Rossi defenders have a hard time slowing him down as he plays with the swagger of a power forward. He tends to buzz around the ice and pester his opponents with tenacious forechecking and body checking. He seems to be a solid top-line center in the NHL. If Anaheim were to select Marco Rossi they would have a 1A, 1B situation with Zegras, and the aforementioned Rossi.
By: Greg Shrubby
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