Top Moments from First Half & Some Untouchable Future Stars
The Ducks' youth movement continues to be the shining light in a tough rebuild. We'll take a look at several of those players. Plus, a fun recap of top moments from the season's first half.
Welcome to the THW Anaheim Ducks Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Ducks writers.
In today’s edition, we recall top moments from the season’s first half, compare Mason McTavish to his fellow NHL sophomores, look at some untouchable Ducks, and evaluate potential All-Star Game selections.
It would be great if you’d share the THW Ducks Substack with your friends and family so that they can subscribe and enjoy all the latest.
Now on to the good stuff!
Ducks' Top First-Half Moments and Accomplishments of 2023-24 Season
December 31, 2023 by Jordan Reinhardt (Premium Substack Content)
The Anaheim Ducks have reached the final day of 2023, a year of significance for the franchise. Why, might you ask, is that?
Well, 2023 marks the franchise’s 30th birthday. It also marks 20th anniversary of Jean-Sebastien Giguere’s Conn Smythe-winning performance in the Ducks’ first run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2003. It also marks the 20th anniversary of the selection of franchise icons Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. So yes, this year bears historical significance.
On the ice, however, the turn of the calendar year will hopefully amount to a blessing for the team. They currently sit seventh in the Pacific Division standings with a 13-22 record. In spite of this, there have been no shortage of electric, memorable moments and performances, and we’ll reminisce about those top moments (ordered chronologically) today in this second piece of premium content for you to enjoy. Happy reminiscing!
Ducks’ McTavish Leading an Elite Class of NHL Sophomores
January 4, 2024 by Jordan Reinhardt
The Anaheim Ducks continue to slog through a strenuous, injury-riddled stretch of their 2023-24 campaign. They haven’t been fully healthy all season, and that leaves us wondering how good they can be when they are 100%. We just don’t know yet.
One thing we do know is how good of a sophomore season Mason McTavish is having. That’s not up for debate. His 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) trails only Frank Vatrano’s 26 for tops on the Ducks, but he’s played seven fewer games. In fact, he has often been the catalyst that’s sparked Vatrano’s resurgence this season. His strong first half makes it a good time to compare him to his fellow NHL sophomores.
Ducks’ Potential 2024 All-Star Game Selections
January 3, 2024 by Charlie Hiller
On Thursday (Jan. 4), the NHL will unveil the first group of players selected to participate in the 2024 All-Star Game in Toronto. Thirty-two players will be selected, with one representative from each team. Fans will vote in an additional 12 players throughout the rest of January. All-Star Weekend begins Feb. 2.
If not for the league’s rule to have at least one representative from each team, the Anaheim Ducks would likely be left out of the entire weekend. At 13-23-0, they’ve had an underwhelming first half of the season, highlighted by injuries to a handful of key contributors. Even with the difficult season, Anaheim has had a few players who have stood out, as well as a few players who would simply make All-Star Weekend more fun. Here are a few Ducks players who could receive the All-Star nod.
Anaheim Ducks Who Should Be Untouchable in 2024
December 30, 2023 by Charlie Hiller
January marks a significant threshold during the NHL campaign. As teams begin to reach the halfway point of the season, the standings become more fleshed out. By this point, most clubs will know if they are playoff-bound, in need of help, or are completely out of the picture.
Once again, the Anaheim Ducks are entering a calendar year firmly in that third group. At 13-21, they are 18 points behind the Los Angeles Kings for third in the Pacific Division and 12 points back of the second wild-card spot. This will be the sixth straight season Anaheim has missed the playoffs, marking the longest stretch of futility in franchise history.
The Ducks will be sellers at the trade deadline. While there are a few obvious candidates playing on expiring deals, like Adam Henrique, Sam Carrick, and Ilya Lyubushkin, there are only a handful of players that should be considered “untouchable” by the front office.
The following players should be considered non-starters for any trade discussions. This year’s group of untouchables will follow the same rules as a year ago — all players listed are regulars in Anaheim’s lineup.