The Anaheim Ducks selected two players in the first round of the NHL Draft today, taking Beckett Sennecke with third-overall pick and Stian Solberg at 23rd overall pick.
Sennecke was nothing short of a surprise at third overall, to the point where even he looked shocked to be taken.
Believe it, Beckett. You're an Anaheim Duck.#NHLDraft | @Honda pic.twitter.com/qhEFytoo1C
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) June 29, 2024
Obviously the Ducks would’ve put significant research into the forward to have the confidence to take Sennecke at third overall. But especially considering they likely could’ve moved back in the draft and still been able to get the player later, it’s a pick that’s going to reflect either very well, or very poorly on Pat Verbeek and company.
The Ducks then also moved up to get the 23rd pick, dealing the 31st and 58th picks to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange. With the pick, they took Stian Solberg. The defenseman already stands at 6-foot-2, weighing 205 pounds, and posted 15 points in 42 games while playing in Norway this season.
The Ducks will enter Day 2 of the draft with six more picks, including four picks all before No. 80.
--
On a side note: with free agency around the corner, I've done another round of contract projections for upcoming UFAs and RFAs. For those interested in a look at what some of the NHL's notable free agents could get on their respective contracts once free agency opens on Monday, visit HockeyComparables.com