2024 NHL Mock Draft: Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks have had an another forgettable season, but they have a chance to really improve their prospect pool and their team at the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft, as they have 2 first-round picks, 2 second-round picks, and three 3rd-round picks. The Blackhawks also their own 4th and 6th round pick but don’t own a 5th or 7th round pick. San Jose has a total of 9 picks in the 2024 draft, including 7 in the first three rounds, so they will have plenty of chances to select impact players in the draft. This Mock Draft assumes they have the 3rd overall pick in the draft.

Related: 2024 NHL Mock Draft: San Jose Sharks

3. Artyom LEVSHUNOV, D, Michigan State Univ. (NCAA)

Artyom Levshunov has one of the most exciting tool kits in this draft as a big, right-handed defender who skates incredibly well. The Belarussian tore up the USHL last season, with 42 points in 61 games, making him the league’s fifth-highest-scoring defender as a 17-year-old. His physical and statistical profile reminds me a lot of Owen Power, though Levshunov produced more points than Power did at the same age in the USHL. Levshunov has a very projectable game, with the size, skating, and offense to be a great NHL defender. He plays with a ton of confidence, which can be a bit of a double-edged sword at times. Levshunov’s offensive game is dynamic, with his smooth skating serving as the catalyst for each thing he does well. He’s strong in breakout/entry situations, has some clever stretch passes in his toolkit, and walks the blueline with confidence. He is still a bit of a raw prospect at this point, which means there’s a lot of room for growth. Levshunov was a poor defender in the USHL when he first arrived but finished the year as a strong two-way player. His first NCAA mirrored that closely, with an increased defensive responsibility as the year wore on. I think Levshunov could make the jump to the AHL next year quite easily, though I don’t think another season in College would be a bad thing for him at all. There’s definitely a lot of room for growth in his game, but Levhusnov has a ton of potential and will be selected very early this year. Artyom Levshunov will be a Top 3 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and could be the first Belarusian-born player to be drafted in the lottery. The Anaheim Ducks already have some good young offensive defensemen in the system like Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger, adding Levshunov to that group of defensemen would build a frightening defensive core.

24. Charlie ELICK, D, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Charlie Elick is a bit of a project still, as a big (6-foot-3), right-handed defender who defends well but hasn’t shown a ton when it comes to moving the puck himself. However, he plays physically and uses his frame well when defending (which isn’t always the case for young players), not to mention his great skating. Elick is one of the best skaters in the draft class for my money, and a 6-foot-3, right-shot defenseman who skates like he can always have a place in the NHL. He will need to take several steps forward offensively if he wants to provide two-way impact as a pro, but I think his defensive game and size/skating combo will lead to him being drafted early and earn him a chance to prove he can succeed as a pro. Charlie Elick is a type of defenseman who seems easy to project into a future NHL lineup. While Elick has been relatively productive, the interest for him stems more from his dependable transition game and effective (and physical) defensive game. Elick has an excellent first pass out of the defensive zone and—complimented by strong four-way mobility makes him one of the best defensive zone transition defensemen in the WHL. Elick closes gaps and defends the line well, wins pucks and net-front battles, and is also very physical. Elick shows a lot of promise as a second-pair, shutdown defenseman at the next level. For the Anaheim Ducks, with so many offensive minded defenseman, they need a big-bodied defenseman with a defense-first mentality, and Elick fits that description.

35. Jett LUCHANKO, C, Guelph Storm (OHL)

Jett Luchanko is going to be a fan favorite in the NHL someday, with an impressive tenacity and work ethic. Luchanko has good skill with the puck and skates quite well, making him a dangerous player with the puck in transition. However, he’s always willing to give up some of the glory by making another pass and finding a better option if it’s there. Luchanko reads plays really well and has that knack for timing and finding openings in defensive coverage that is difficult to teach. The reason he’s not higher on this list is because he hasn’t really shown any dynamic trait to this point that makes you think he could be a high-in-the-lineup type player in the NHL. Luchanko’s on-ice testing at the CHL top prospects game is making scouts talk, but the projectability of his game is what has seen him crack the first round on Bob McKenzie’s list, among others; some Scouts however aren’t completely as sold on his projectablity, despite his team-leading 53 points in 48 OHL games. The combination of raw athletic ability, high motor, solid skating and defensive acumen makes Luchanko an easy-to-project player and his skillset would translate to the NHL better as a third-line checking forward. Jett Luchanko is in the group of prospects who are good enough to be a fringe first round pick but more than likely will be an early 2nd round pick. Even if Luchanko never becomes the scorer he was in juniors, he could still be a valuable checking line forward down the road, which the Anaheim Ducks will certainly need.

61. Kamil BEDNARIK, C, US National U18 Team (NTDP)/USNTDP Juniors (USHL)

Kamil Bednarik is a strong, reliable two-way center who plays well beyond his years. On the younger side of this year’s draft-eligible players, he stands out as one of the best players on the USA Hockey National Team Development Program U18 Team. While his offensive numbers are good but not great, his presence far exceeds the scoresheet. Bednarik’s greatest strength is his defensive game, specifically his ability to use his stick. The second he steps on the ice, he looks like a tenured NHL center who any coach can rely on to make smart decisions with the puck in the offensive zone while also leading the backcheck. He puts himself in positions to make smart plays with the puck to generate breakout opportunities in the offensive zone by using his body to generate space from the opposition. While he may only be 6 feet and 185 pounds, he plays much larger, using his body and stick as an asset, a trait not seen very much in junior hockey that translates well to the professional level. His skating is also top-tier, which helps him get the first step on opposing skaters. Bednarik is committed to Boston University for next season. While he is expected to be one of the youngest players on the roster, he should have a significant impact on the team, earning time on the penalty kill and important late-game minutes while also aiming to earn a spot on the team’s power play. For a player with much more good than bad, the media seems very pessimistic about where Bednarik will be selected. Bednarik oozes confidence and boasts a remarkable power game with his considerable strength and a good dosage of pro habits. He’s raw at the moment, but has been trending in the right direction and looks to be a great “draft-low/high floor” option. He’ll need more time in the minors to develop his skillset but he has all the makings of a two-way dynamo with good offensive upside. Anaheim really needs to focus on adding high-character players who can contribute on the defensive side of the puck because they have been awful on that side of the puck.

66. Will SKAHAN, D, US National Team (NTDP)/USNTDP Juniors (USHL)

The first thing to remember about Will Skahan is that he is and should continue to be a player in excellent physical condition. His father, Sean, spent 13 seasons as strength and conditioning coach of the Anaheim Ducks from 2002-2015 and the Minnesota Wild from 2016-2022. Will started lifting weights and working out with his father at age 12, and growing up around NHL players certainly doesn’t hurt a player’s development. This is one of the many factors why Skahan will see his name called in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. With his 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame, Skahan is a huge blue liner schooled in the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP.) His present game is all about big hits and playing sound defense. He is not hesitant about playing physically, but he knows big men are under high scrutiny from referees when they put hits on smaller opponents, a demeanor he also developed from being around his dad and NHL players. Exposure to NHL players is also a big reason for his high hockey IQ. Skahan has high-level read-and-react instincts, and his defensive positioning is solid. His wingspan and foot speed allow him to take away time and space and get on the puck quickly. With all of these attributes, it is not surprising he likes to model his game after current NHLers Jacob Trouba and Alex Pietrangelo. In addition to being influenced by his father, his demeanor may have come from the fact his favorite player while his dad worked with the Ducks was Corey Perry. Skahan skates well for his size, especially in straight lines. He possesses quick feet, effortless pivots, and excellent lateral movements. His long, powerful strides allow him to cover large areas of ice very quickly and efficiently. He has no issues defending against other elite players. One of the questions for prospective teams in June’s draft will be whether Skahan added enough to his skillset with the time in the USNTDP to warrant an early selection. Since Skahan has next to no offensive production at this point in his career, he is billed as a mobile shutdown defenseman and would be an ideal pick early in the 3rd round. The Anaheim Ducks have already added Artyom Levshunov and Charlie Elick earlier in the draft, Will Skahan further improves the defense, giving them 3 potential top 4 defensemen.

68. Miguel MARQUES, C/W, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)

Miguel Marques took some time to come out of his shell on a struggling team in Lethbridge, but has hit his stride and finished the season having put up 28 goals and 74 points in 67 WHL games. Extremely middle-driven and engaged off the puck, Marques looks to accelerate the pace of play with every touch. His trifecta of handling, playmaking and shooting is refined, and his constant middle drives allow those tools to be put to great use. Beyond the high work rate, Marques is also comfortable slowing the play, down and drawing players into him to free up passing lanes when the circumstances demand it. With a wide arsenal of passes, Marques consistently creates advantages for his teammates, his handling skill allows him to go from retrieval to deke to pass in an instant, and his curl-and-drag wrister can punish opponents if they give him too much space. His physical disposition limits the use of his motor, and he often over-commits in his own zone or on the back check, but the offensive ceiling makes Marques more than worth the 28th spot on our board. A common sentiment around scouting circles has been that, if we drafted solely off highlight packages, Marques might be a top 10 pick. He’s quick with a high motor, though not a burner, and he’s got a good shot with a quick release, though also not elite. What really stands out are his unbelievable quick-twitch hands, his vision as both a playmaker and scorer, and his complete focus on driving the middle of the ice. While a lot of his value comes from an ability to find passing lanes in the slot at an extremely high rate, defenders still have to respect Marques’ shot at all distances, his agility and edgework, and his slippery puck protection game, making Marques a difficult player to defend that forces opponents to play to his speed. Marques’ main criticism (outside of his height at 5’11) is his consistency and can be lazy defensively. The offensive upside of Marques is way too high to pass up and he has the ceiling of a top 6 forward. With 3, 3rd-round picks this year, it is worth taking a risk on a player with this type of offensive upside. The Anaheim Ducks continue
to add depth to their forward prospect pool, if he works out great, if not it’s also fine.

79. Teddy STIGA, LW, US National Team (NTDP)/USNTDP Juniors (USHL)

No prospect has seen such a big jump in his draft stock since September as Teddy Stiga. Originally thought to be a late-round pick by most pundits, there are now mentions that Stiga might hear his name called in the second or 3rd round. He might not be a top producer at higher levels, but he’s worked hard, plays strong defensively, has a high hockey IQ, and can play the power play and penalty kill. Stiga is set to join Boston College next year, a team expected to see significant turnover, with the potential for a handful of key players to turn pro following the lead of Cutter Gauthier. Still, Boston should remain a contender regardless, with Stiga ultimately being one of their biggest recruits. Stiga has always been described as a very hard worker, plays strong defensively, and has a high hockey IQ. He can contribute on the power play and penalty kill. Stiga doesn’t lack confidence or drive for a smaller player and can play in any situation. Stiga has recently stated that he models his game after NHL agitator Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins, and he certainly brings similar energy to the ice. Even with all of the talent on the USNTDP squad, it would be difficult to find anyone on that team or possibly another 2024 prospect who works as hard as Stiga. Stiga’s best asset is his motor; his feet are constantly in motion which serves him well with and without the puck. On the forecheck, he’s a nuisance to opposing defensemen, churning his feet to take smart angles as F1 and using his stick to be disruptive. Stiga’s got serious skill with the puck too; he’s a deceptive handler who separates his upper body from his feet to freeze opponents or shift them one way before exploding in the opposite direction. His Ceiling is that of Brad Marchand, a disruptive, game-changing pest, with all-world skill, but his floor is not bad either, as he has the IQ and the Skillset to be a valuable third-line checker and penalty killer. The Anaheim Ducks want to build a team that is difficult to play against and Stiga definitely fits that description, despite his small frame.

100. Markus LOPONEN, W/C, Karpat U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

Markus Loponen is a big Finnish winger who plays a fairly rugged game; despite Playing a physical game, he is disciplined and is ready to lay big hits on opposing players and get involved in traffic. He Battles for looses pucks, and always lurks around the action, looking to get engaged in battles along the defensive boards. Loponen reads the play well and displays good effort on both sides of the puck. On offense, he does always move the puck to the right spot or see the openings but shows instincts and finishing ability around the net. His skating will have to continue to improve his average foot speed, first-step quickness and acceleration. The Captain of Karpat’s U20 team, Loponen put up 25 goals and 54 points in 45 games in Finland’s U20 league and also appeared in 3 games with Finland at the U18 WJC. A versatile forward, capable of playing both Center and Wing, although he projects better as a Winger in the NHL, as his skillset fits that of a natural power forward. While it’s tough to say if Loponen’s production will translate at the NHL level, he could be a solid depth piece on an NHL roster as a power forward, with his forecheck ability and physicality. Anaheim typically likes drafting power forwards and this player fits that mold.

164. Karl STERNER, RW/LW, Frolunda HC J20 (J20 Nationell)

Young Swedish wing with lots of physical tools, a long reach and wide body. He has a long stride and moves well with acceleration power, balance and a top end gear. He also has soft hands for receiving or giving passes and puck handling ability to make plays at top speed. In the cycle down low, he is good at shielding the puck from defenders. Will make quick one touch passes on the power play, and show good touch all around. Sterner has a hard shot, shoots bullets from the circles, getting good torque and displaying strong release. His game away from the puck needs refinement, but there is no lack of effort. It wouldn’t surprise me if a NHL team takes him higher than his ranking because of his possible upside. With Frolunda’s J20 club, Sterner scored 34 points in 45 J20 games during the regular season and added 5 more in 7 playoff games. At this point in the draft, your looking for players with high upside and Karl Sterner has high upside because he is one of the younger players in this draft class. Anaheim adds more depth to their prospect pool.

Draft Recap

A-

Artyom Levshunov (D)
Charlie Elick (D)
Jett Luchanko (C)
Kamill Bednarik (C)
Will Skahan (D)
Miguel Margues (C/W)
Teddy Stiga (LW)
Markus Loponen (W/C)
Karl Sterner (RW/LW)

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