Who will the Ducks select?

With just a few weeks away from the 2023 NHL Draft, teams have been working on their draft boards to make sure they get the next generation of players that will carry the league. The 2023 class is stacked, starting with the consensus number one overall pick in Connor Bedard. While the Anaheim Ducks would have loved to get Bedard, they fell just short of the first pick and landed the second overall selection. They still will get a difference maker and someone who could help change the trajectory of the team.

Analytics expert Edward Egros discussed some other options for the Ducks in this draft class. 

Now the most likely player to be selected by Anaheim is Adam Fantilli out of the University of Michigan. The 18-year-old Canadien is no consolation prize for the Ducks and if he is picked by Anaheim, looks to be a star.

Fantilli helped get the Wolverines to their second straight Frozen Four and he lit up the box scores. He had 30 goals and 35 assists over 46 games with the team during the 2022-2023 season. His season had him become only the third freshman in history to win the Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the best NCAA men's ice hockey player in the nation. 

Clearly he has the ability to play at a high level, with the way he dominated the college ranks. His skating ability is incredible and should easily translate to the NHL. But what helps set him apart is his vision and IQ for the game. His ability to see a play before it happens is rare and something only a few players have. He is the perfect combination of size, speed and smarts, making him a great overall player for whoever drafts him.

If this were any other year, Fantilli would likely go number one. He has the skillset to change the course of a franchise and for the Ducks, it would be a great get. 

Other options include Leo Carlsson from Örebro HK of the Swedish Hockey League and Matvei Michkov from SKA Saint Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League. However, the most likely selection for Anaheim will be Fantilli so Duck fans should prepare themselves accordingly. This draft will change the Ducks for the better and the fans in Anaheim are ready.