Ducks Sign Sennecke and Solberg to ELCs
Just after the Anaheim Ducks wrapped up their development camp, they signed their two top picks from the 2024 NHL Draft; Beckett Sennecke and Stian Solberg.
Ducks Sign Sennecke and Solberg to ELCsThe Anaheim Ducks signed Beckett Sennecke (18) and Stian Solberg (18) to three-year entry-level contracts on Friday afternoon.
The team wrapped up their five-day development camp but didn't let their first two picks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft go home to Toronto and Oslo, respectively, without signing their ELCs with the Ducks.
One of the biggest surprises from the first night of the draft on June 28 was the Ducks' selection of Sennecke at third overall, the late-rising and talented winger from the Oshawa Generals of the OHL.
Sennecke's late-season push and productive playoff run were viewed as a sign of his progression and competitive drive.
Sennecke finished the 2023-24 season with 27 goals and 68 points in 63 regular season games. He was a driving force in the Generals' playoff run as he tallied 22 points in 16 games before an injury caused him to miss the OHL Finals against the eventual champion London Knights.
"The expectation is a big thing," Sennecke said following the Ducks prospect 3v3 scrimmage to close development camp. "I’m a third overall pick now so that comes with a lot of high expectations. Not just from everyone else, but myself as well."
Sennecke was invited to join Canada's World Junior Summer Showcase roster. The showcase is set for July 26-Aug. 3.
After the Showcase, it is unclear what the Ducks plan is for Sennecke. He can play up to nine NHL games in the 2024-25 season before the first year of his contract would be spent.
Solberg was selected by the Ducks 20 picks after Sennecke when they traded the 31st and 58th pick in the 2024 draft to the Toronto Maple Leafs so they could get the "most violent player in the class" at 23rd overall.
Solberg had a busy 2023-24 season that saw him play 42 regular season games for Vålerenga of the Norwegian professional league, where he scored five goals and 15 points. He scored nine points in 17 playoff games as Vålerenga lost in the finals.
Between then, he represented Norway at the World Junior Championship, tallying two points in five games.
He capped off the season with an impressive World Championship performance in May when he again represented Norway in seven games, scoring three points, and was among his team's leaders in ice time.
"It’s been a long season and a lot of fun this year," Solberg said after the prospect scrimmage Friday. "Now I’m going home to Norway, maybe take a week off, and then back to practice. This season has been really fun, I’ve learned a lot, and I took some big steps this season. I’m happy with how the season went and I’m excited for next year."
In 2024-25, Solberg is set to play in the SHL for Färjestad BK, where he'll play with fellow Ducks prospect Damian Clara.
Both ELCs for Sennecke and Solberg will carry AAVs of $975 when they kick in.