The NHL Draft took place approximately two weeks ago. As the NHL offseason drags on and on, let's take a look back at the players the Anaheim Ducks chose during the 2022 NHL Draft:
Warren participated in 62 games while playing for Gatineau in the QMJHL this year, contributing 24 points. The right-handed defenseman will need some more time to grow, but he is expected to progress to be a third-pairing shutdown defenseman to a fringe second-line d-man.
“There’s massive upside in the potential of this player based on puck handling skills and the ability to make a good first pass. Getting completely back to game shape following a lower-body injury will be key in realizing this potential.”- Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet
Pavel Mintyukov - Saginaw Spirit (1st Round)
The Anaheim Ducks selected Pavel Mintyukov with the tenth overall pick in the NHL Draft. The defenseman, who was born in Russia, is currently a Saginaw Spirit OHL player. Mintyukov played 62 games with Saginaw in the 2021–22 season, recording 17 goals and 45 assists. The young Russian blueliner is not worried about offence. He is an offensively player with aggressive talent who can move effectively laterally.
Mintyukov's defensive play, though, is something to be cautious about in his performance. Mintyukov frequently makes bold moves, which result in blunders and turnovers. For instance, high-risk passes are made when leaving the defensive zone. Mintyukov will have to work on his over-aggressiveness. Occasionally, he misreads the play when trying to join the rush or pinch in from the blueline, resulting in an odd-man rush.
The Spirit defender has all of the tools to become an everyday defenseman in the National Hockey League. He stands at a decent 6'1" and weighs in at 192 pounds. He is the modern-day mobile puck-moving d-man that the league has transitioned to. Overall, he will be a steady second-pairing offensive weapon, who may end up developing into a top-pairing defenseman.
Nathan Gaucher - Quebec Remparts (1st Round)
Nathan Gaucher was picked by the Anaheim Ducks with the 22nd selection in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The transfer of Hampus Lindholm to Boston was eventually completed by the Anaheim Ducks. The Boston Bruins provided the pick used to draft Gaucher.
Nathan Gaucher, a player playing for the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. Gaucher has consistently improved each and every season of his QMJHL career. In 57 games last season, the centermen contributed to 31 goals and 26 assists. He also played in 12 games during the QMJHL postseason and collected nine points.Gaucher is a power forward who is tough physically and excellent at winning faceoffs. The native of Quebec is 6'3" tall and 207 pounds. Of all the draft's two-way players, he is among the finest. He has excellent backchecking ability and can help you win a crucial faceoff in a close game. Gaucher is a versatile player who is reliable both offensively and defensively.
The Remparts forward does not pose any high-end elite skill sets; he is not a risky player. He executes the smart plays that coaches like. Gaucher is a superb net-front presence offensively since he makes effective use of his body and isn't hesitant to get his hands dirty. Gaucher topped his club in penalty minutes during the previous campaign with 74.
He plays a very similar game to Charlie Coyle (Bruins player). He'll probably end up as a third-line center who participates in both the power play and the penalty kill. In the upcoming years, Gaucher will be a crucial member of the Ducks.
Noah Warren - Gatineau Olympiques (2nd round)
Noah Warren was chosen by the Ducks with the 42nd overall pick. Warren is a defender that plays a rough, aggressive game style. With a height of 6'5" and a weight of 214 pounds, he is one of the largest players in the whole draft. Warren plays a highly responsible style of hockey; he makes the right decisions and has good puck movement skills.
Warren is a calm, collected player who exudes a lot of confidence. He has excellent physical prowess and never hesitates to play the body. He plays with a lot of aggression, especially in the defensive zone. He steps up to make a huge hit and uses his long stick to block passes.
Warren has the ability to make a quality first pass offensively. He skates reasonably well and has good puck distribution. He moves fluidly between the three zones and has the vision to spot seam passes.
To note, Warren's speed and agility would be his main issue at the NHL level. Warren, who is 6'5" tall, often finds it difficult to keep up with elite-speed opponents.
"I’d probably have to say, get faster and better decision-making for the next level. I feel like my decision-making is good for the Q, but the NHL is a way faster league so I’m going to need to continue to improve on that."– Noah Warren, Olympiques defenseman
Tristan Luneau - Gatineau Olympiques (2nd Round)
The 53rd pick in the NHL Entry Draft went to Anaheim, who picked another right-handed defender. Tristan Luneau, a defenceman with Gatineau of the QMJHL. Luneau is the opposite of fellow Anaheim and Gatineau teammate Noah Warren.
Luneau is a player that can control the offensive ice. He is capable of leading one of the NHL's best power plays. He is extremely accurate, finds lanes, and sets up teammates. He passes rather than shooting. He consistently seeks angles while sticking handling through players. He played in 63 QMJHL games this season, recording 12 goals and 31 assists.
The Quebec native is also not afraid to play a physical defensive game. He uses his frame of 6'2" to steal the puck from his opponent while laying down the occasional boom. He has a high hockey IQ both on and off the puck. Although Luneau currently possesses all the necessary talents, he will need to build up his power and muscle to be NHL ready.
Luneau has a reputation for being a talented player. He was chosen first overall by the Gatineau Olympiques in the 2020 QMJHL draft. Additionally, he participated at the 2022 CHL Top Prospects Game and was invited to the 2022 NHL Scouting Combine.
Ben King - Red Deer Rebels (4th Round)
Ben King was taken by the Anaheim Ducks with the 107th overall pick in the NHL Draft. King, who now plays for Red Deer in the WHL, is from British Columbia. He was passed over at the 2020 and 2021 NHL Drafts, making him an overage draft pick. He is 20 years old right now.King is a 6'3" and 205-pound centerman who plays with his right hand. Throughout his WHL career, he has improved as a player. His 52 goals and 53 assists in just 68 games this season stand out the most.
Could King, a player who occasionally displays high-end scoring at the junior level, be likely to make the transition to the professional level? It is definitely ambiguous. King has a difficult time transitioning to new leagues, according to historical performance. King offers the size required to play in the NHL, as well as a good hockey IQ and a shoot-first mentality. To succeed at the professional level, the native of British Columbia will need to improve his general consistency.
Other Picks:
- Connor Hvidston (5th Round)
- Michael Callow (5th Round)
- Vyacheslav Buteyets (6th Round)