The Anaheim Ducks: A Resurgence
The Anaheim Ducks, once mired in a lengthy rebuilding phase that began in 2018, are now showing promising signs of resurgence. Transitioning from a veteran core led by Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, the team has shifted its focus toward cultivating a new generation of talent. Early in their rebuild, the Ducks prioritized high draft picks to forge a brighter future for the franchise, notably selecting promising players like Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale in 2019 and 2020. Zegras quickly garnered attention, even gracing the cover of an NHL video game, but the Ducks still struggled to escape the depths of losing.
New Prospects and Strategic Changes
Despite adding new prospects such as Mason McTavish, Pavel Mintyukov, and Olen Zellweger between 2021 and 2022, the team continued to lack structure and direction for several seasons. However, the tides began to turn in 2023 when Anaheim made Leo Carlsson the second overall draft pick. Adjustments followed, including a trade involving Drysdale for Cutter Gauthier, and the selection of Beckett Sennecke in 2024; all changes were a part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the team. As the current season unfolds, the Ducks find themselves atop their division, thanks in part to their youthful talent.
Leo Carlsson: A Cornerstone Player
Central to this revitalization has been Leo Carlsson, whose performance has elevated him to the ranks of the NHL’s elite scorers. As of Friday, he was among the top scorers in the league, positioned alongside stars like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. This ascent solidifies his role as a cornerstone for the Ducks, reflecting the strategic decision to focus on Carlsson over other top prospects during the draft, despite initial skepticism about his skating ability.
Performance and Impact
Carlsson’s evolution this season is notable, demonstrating a blend of offensive prowess and robust two-way play reminiscent of greats like Aleksander Barkov and Auston Matthews. His combination of size, agility, and game awareness has established him as a dominant force on the ice, both scoring and supporting teammates effectively. Early critiques about his skating have faded as he has transformed it into a significant asset, allowing him to navigate tighter spaces and generate scoring opportunities.
Impressively, metrics indicate values beyond mere point totals. Carlsson’s Corsi and Fenwick percentages—both indicators of shot share—show numbers well above league averages, reinforcing the impression that he is not just riding a hot streak but is indeed a core player whose impact is consistently felt. At just 20 years old, his potential continues to expand, and he now stands as a definitive franchise player for the Ducks as they aim for a more competitive future.
Looking Ahead
The Ducks’ recent performance is a testament to the effectiveness of their rebuilding strategy, as young talents take the reins to steer the team back to playoff relevance. As they continue to harness the capabilities of their emerging stars, expectations are on the rise, making the Ducks a compelling team to watch moving forward.
