The Anaheim Ducks have missed the playoffs for four straight seasons, and if you’re looking at their futures, they suggest they will likely extend this streak.
Anaheim has a lot of young talent across its roster, with some interesting veteran additions to bolster them. Despite the loss of Ryan Getzlaf to retirement, Anaheim could be in a position to take its talents to the next level and surprise on the upside.
Let’s check the latest NHL picks, stats, injury reports, and NHL predictions. We’ve plenty of NHL expert picks for the 2022-23 season.
Anaheim Ducks Odds
- To win Stanley Cup +10000
- To win Western Conference +5000
- To win Pacific Division +6600
- To make playoffs Yes +500/ No -800
Player to Watch
Trevor Zegras is the player to watch on this squad. At only 21 years of age, Zegras was second on the team in points with 61 a year ago. That puts him second in rookie scoring.
He’s part of a young core expected to take Anaheim from rebuilding to contending over the next couple of seasons.
Other young talents such as Max Comtois, Mason McTavish, and Isac Lundestrom are also expected to fill in larger roles. Comtois underperformed last year with six goals in 52 games, McTavish was the No. 3 overall pick in 2021, and Lundestrom was the 23rd pick in 2018.
Zegras is the centerpiece of it all and has to lead the way if this team is to turn things around.
- Player to Watch: C Trevor Zegras
Breakout Player
Mason McTavish was one of the World Junior Hockey Championships stars, and the hope is that he will carry over his strong performance into the NHL. Team Canada’s captain compiled a healthy 17 points in seven games.
While he’s just 19 years of age, he’s expected to get every opportunity on this team. They need all the help they can get. The key for McTavish’s season will likely be if he makes a top-six forward role.
If he does and lands on the No. 1 power play, he should be one of the bright young stars this season. Take a look at some of his NHL odds in terms of props and consider betting the over.
- Breakout Watch: C Mason McTavish
Ducks Outlook
The Ducks looked like they had the potential to be a playoff contender early after starting 17-9-5. However, they suffered an unfortunate collapse in the second half of the year, winning just 14 more games the rest of the way and finishing 13th in the Western Conference.
They were able to add on more young talent and some decent off-season acquisitions that could push them further up the rankings, but few people in the betting community or the sportsbook think this team is playoff-bound.
If the development for these younger fellas can go as planned, it’s hard to see them not improving from a year ago. At the same time, go under the number for your NHL picks in terms of their point total. They just aren’t ready to climb this high just yet.
