The Ducks headed to the podium twice Friday and seven more times Saturday at the NHL draft.
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One day after trading forward Mason McTavish for two first-round picks – right winger Nikita Klepov at No. 15 and Swedish winger Marcus Nordmark at No. 29 – they added two more top-50 picks as well as a couple of their later selections that generally valued top-end potential over bankability. Ducks assistant general manager Martin Madden helped review the class at the draft’s conclusion:
No. 45, Jayden Kurtz, Right Defense, Wisconsin commit (NCAA)
Kurtz was a late riser, projected widely to go later on Day 2 entering the draft. Yet he must have had serious upward momentum for the Ducks to use pick 45 when they also held 50th overall. Fluid and mobile, he was flat-out dominant at the high-school level and then was impactful during a stint with the USHL’s Chicago Steel. This pick has shades of Jackson LaCombe, another tool-heavy Minnesotan high-school standout who went to the Steel and then a top NCAA program at Minnesota. The Ducks have pumped out young defensemen, giving them some leeway to develop Kurtz patiently.
“He’s sort of a blend between Jackson and Ian Moore,” Madden said. “Same type of path, same type of outstanding hockey sense, awareness and range.”
No. 50, Mathis Preston, Right Wing, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
If they had to reach a bit to land Kurtz, the Ducks balanced that out by snagging a player at No. 50 who was widely projected above this spot. Preston entered his second full season in the WHL with sky-is-the-limit potential, but ended up with face-in-the-crowd draft standing after a turbulent year that saw him injured, traded and ultimately doubted by some scouts. His agility, speed, shot release and stickhandling all said lottery pick, but he didn’t even go in the first 16 slots of the second round. A younger player with physical development ahead, he could be a long-term steal if he can utilize all his gifts.
“Mathis has been one of the top players in Canada in his age group since he was really young,” said Madden, pointing to Preston bookending his draft year with a pair of strong international showings despite some bumpy stretches.
No. 82, Rian Chudzinski, Winger, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
His straight-line speed, tenacity and willingness to bang bodies all stand out, which one might expect from the son of former Cleveland Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski. His offensive game gained steam over the course of his campaign last year, but his aggressiveness, hunger for the puck and activity level are what make him an attractive prospect.
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No. 146, Eric Frossard, Left Defense, Notre Dame commit (NCAA)
Frossard spent last year in the OHL and will take his imposing frame (6-foot-5 and firmly more than 200 pounds) to Notre Dame this fall. But he’s more than just a big body, he’s a cerebral player with layers to his game and the potential to round it out in time. His size, reach and instincts could make him a solid third-pairing defender.
No. 178, Gleb Peshkov, Goalie, Taifun Primorsky Krai (Russia)
Peshkov plays an uber-athletic style in a technical era of goaltending, something he’ll have to reconcile over time. But his footwork, reflexes and raw ability are all far more appealing that one might expect to find in the sixth round of the draft, making him an intriguing long-term project.
“Yes, he’s raw, but he is super athletic, super lanky and very competitive,” Madden said. “The raw abilities and the tools are there for him to be an NHL goalie.”
No. 192, Noah Kosick, Center, Michigan commit (NCAA)
The Ducks acquired this pick and prospect defenseman Kyle Masters from the defending champion Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for the negotiating rights to unrestricted free agent John Carlson. Kosick cut his teeth in the WHL and now will become a Wolverine, taking his strengths as a facilitator to Ann Arbor. Kosick has long been advanced in terms of creativity and skill, but even after a growth spurt remains undersized with a need to add strength.
“He’s been a high-scoring center all his life. He is a late bloomer physically. He’s grown a lot and continues to grow, he’s put on 15 pounds since the end of the season,” Madden said.
No. 210, Jimmy Rieber, Right Defense, Miami-Ohio commit (NCAA)
Rieber will return for a second USHL campaign next year with plans to head to college the following season. He projects as a defensive defenseman with above-average length and reach.
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