Ducks Sign Goaltender Damian Clara to Entry-Level Contract
The Anaheim Ducks announced Monday that they have come to terms with goaltending prospect Damian Clara on a three-year entry-level contract
Monday morning, the Anaheim Ducks announced they have signed goaltender Damian Clara to a three-year entry-level contract.
Clara (19) was drafted in the second round (60th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft from Färjestad BK J20 team in Sweden. The Ducks acquired the 60th pick of the 2023 draft as a piece in the trade that sent Hampus Lindholm to the Boston Bruins at the 2022 NHL trade deadline.
Clara's selection by the Ducks marked the first time in league history a player from Italy was drafted into the NHL.
At 6-foot-6 and 214 pounds, Clara was selected as a toolsy, yet slightly raw goaltender. His frame allows him to cover a great portion of the net, and his powerful pushes allow him post-to-post mobility that will translate effectively at the highest level. He'll have to iron out his footwork and angles when transitioning to North America, but his rapid development since playing at RB Academy in Czechia's U20 league in 2021-22 is a sign of his adaptability and dedication to his craft.
In 2023-24, Clara won the Guldgallret award as HockeyAllsvenskan (Sweden's second division) top junior player when he backstopped Brynas IF (on loan) to promotion into the SHL. He posted a .913 SV% and four shutouts in 34 regular season games and a spectacular .931 SV% in 11 qualification (postseason) games.
With Clara signed, the Ducks have seven goaltenders under contract for the 2024-25 season (Dostal, Gibson, Clang, Suchanek, Buteyets, and Alexander). Clara is eligible to return to Färjestad and play in Sweden while under contact with the Ducks. His ELC would then slide to the next season and begin whenever he starts playing within the Ducks organization.
The Ducks have drafted a goaltender in each of the past three drafts. They have nine picks in the upcoming 2024 draft, so it will be worth monitoring if that trend continues June 28-29 in Las Vegas.