The Anaheim Ducks Finalize Roster for Upcoming Season
The Anaheim Ducks have finalized their roster for the upcoming season, eyeing an exciting start with 23 players set to hit the ice. Among the notable inclusions is 19-year-old Beckett Sennecke, who was the third overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft. His selection comes after an impressive preseason where he participated in six out of seven games and scored twice. Although there’s uncertainty about his long-term spot on the team, Sennecke is poised for an extended opportunity to showcase his skills.
Contract Regulations and Opportunities
Due to contract regulations concerning his age, Sennecke would have to return to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) if he doesn’t remain with the Ducks. He is ineligible to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) or transition to collegiate hockey. However, if he finds himself as a healthy scratch for five consecutive games, he could be loaned to the AHL for a short conditioning stint.
Coaching Insights and Player Adaptability
Head coach Joel Quenneville praised Sennecke for his versatility, suggesting that he can seamlessly adapt to various playing situations.
“I can see him being like a wild card where you can use him in all situations, and he can play with anybody,”
Quenneville remarked. This adaptability has been notably reflected in Sennecke’s participation in multiple roles, including power plays and penalty kills, throughout training camp.
Sennecke has been positioned on the fourth line alongside new teammate Ryan Poehling and physical winger Ross Johnston. Despite his focus on offense, Sennecke embraces the hard-hitting style of his linemates:
“I can kind of play that role as well. They forecheck hard, so it’s fun playing with them.”
Goaltending Situation
Another interesting aspect of the Ducks’ lineup is the inclusion of three goaltenders. Lukáš Dostál has been solidified as the starting goalie following a five-year contract signed this summer. Petr Mrázek and Ville Husso have both performed admirably during the preseason, vying for the backup spot. Mrázek was brought on board from the Detroit Red Wings this past June, while Husso was obtained in the previous season and received a new deal shortly after the Mrázek acquisition.
With the regular season approaching, there are concerns regarding potential waiver claims for either Mrázek or Husso. The team may find itself in a precarious situation if they lose either goalie; Mrázek has a remaining year on his contract at an average annual value of $4.25 million, while Husso is signed for two more years at $2.2 million.
The Ducks also have a fully stocked goaltending unit in the AHL with Tomáš Suchánek, Calle Clang, and Vyacheslav Buteyets present. However, to accommodate the possibility of sending either Mrázek or Husso down to the AHL, Buteyets and Suchánek could be loaned out to the ECHL.
Final Roster Decisions
The roster assembled for the season opener confirms that the Ducks will not start with an extra defenseman. Ian Moore previously filled that role but has been reassigned to the Gulls. It seems the Ducks have decided against an extra defenseman for their initial West Coast games, anticipating a need for one during a challenging five-game road trip that follows.
As practice continues before their regular-season debut against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, the remaining healthy scratches appear to be Nikita Nesterenko and Sam Colangelo. Nesterenko has shown to be a valuable penalty killer and offers position versatility, possibly giving him the edge over offensively-focused Colangelo.
As the Ducks gear up for their season opener, their preparation will be crucial as they move into a competitive schedule ahead.
