Anaheim Geese’ 2023 Draft Class: 1 Yr Later – The Hockey Writers – Anaheim Geese

The Anaheim Geese had one other robust exhibiting on the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Below the management of normal supervisor Pat Verbeek, the group is constructing a repute for stunning choices within the first spherical. The Geese chosen Ontario Hockey League (OHL) ahead Beckett Sennecke, who accrued 27 targets and 68 factors in 63 video games for the Oshawa Generals throughout the 2023-24 marketing campaign, third general. He additionally added 10 targets and 22 factors throughout 16 playoff outings. The 18-year-old has loads of potential to be a dynamic participant on the NHL degree, and he fills a positional space of want for the Geese as a future top-line proper winger. 

The Geese additionally made waves within the 2023 NHL Draft by taking Leo Carlsson second general, but it surely didn’t take lengthy for him to win everyone over. The staff has loved a wonderful run whereas assembling top-of-the-line prospect swimming pools within the league. The scouting workers deserves recognition for his or her efforts. They haven’t been afraid to take possibilities and have recognized gamers who can create a well-balanced lineup to maneuver alongside the staff’s rebuild. 

Associated: Geese’ Stunning Choice of Sennecke Will Solidify High-6

Very like the 2022 NHL Draft class of the Geese, the staff’s assortment of prospects from 2023 stands an important likelihood of including influence gamers. Wanting again at their performances from the 2023-24 season, it’s clear that the group has large potential.

Leo Carlsson, C, Chosen in Spherical 1 (No. 2 general) 

Carlsson cracked the Geese’ roster out of coaching camp and scored a aim in his NHL debut versus the Dallas Stars on Oct. 19. He missed the primary two video games of the common season after struggling a lower-body harm throughout follow. He notched eight targets and 15 factors in 23 video games earlier than celebrating his nineteenth birthday. Carlsson wrapped up his rookie marketing campaign with 12 targets, 17 assists, and 109 photographs heading in the right direction. 

He missed chunks of the season because of accidents, together with a 10-game absence from Dec. 23-Jan. 13 due to a sprained MCL. His workload was additionally decreased early because the Geese wished to ease him into being an NHL common. It was a novel state of affairs for a highly-rated prospect, however everybody concerned was on board with the event plan. Carlsson had no issues showcasing his two-way potential and completed fourth among the many staff’s forwards in common ice time per sport (18:07). He may have a everlasting position within the staff’s top-six group in 2024-25. 

Nico Myatovic, LW, Chosen in Spherical 2 (No. 33 general) 

Nico Myatovic registered 9 targets and 30 factors in 34 appearances for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL) final marketing campaign after producing 30 markers and 30 helpers throughout 68 outings in 2022-23. After sustaining a damaged leg in October, he missed roughly three months of the 2023-24 WHL season. 

The Thunderbirds missed the playoffs, so Myatovic joined the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League (AHL) on an newbie tryout in March after signing his entry-level deal with the Geese. He failed to select up a degree in 12 outings with the Gulls on the finish of the common season. Myatovic will most likely be again within the AHL to start the 2024-25 marketing campaign, the place he’ll try and get again on observe. 

Carey Terrance, C, Chosen in Spherical 2 (No. 59 general) 

Carey Terrance equipped 29 targets and a career-high 52 factors over 56 outings for the Erie Otters of the OHL in 2023-24. He additionally tied for second within the league with 5 shorthanded tallies. He scored 22 occasions and accounted for 34 factors in 28 video games earlier than becoming a member of Staff USA as an additional ahead for the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. Terrance had a few offensive hiccups within the closing two months of the common season following the event however was largely a constant offensive contributor. 

He ought to get an opportunity to play for the US on the 2025 IIHF World Juniors, which will likely be a lot better for his improvement and confidence. The 19-year-old ahead made constructive strides and is anticipated to return to the Otters in 2024-25. 

Damian Clara, G, Chosen in Spherical 2 (No. 60 general) 

Damian Clara posted a 25-8-0 document with 4 shutouts, a 2.23 goals-against common (GAA), and a .913 save share (SV%) in 34 video games performed for Brynas IF of Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan throughout the 2023-24 common season en path to being named one of the best junior participant within the league. He additionally went 10-1-0 with a minuscule 1.68 GAA and an excellent .931 SV% throughout the qualification spherical, incomes Brynas a promotion to the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for 2024-25.

He agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Geese in June. After dominating in Sweden’s second division, the 6-foot-6, 214-pound netminder will look to proceed his development on the SHL degree. Clara is anticipated to go well with up for Farjestad BK throughout the upcoming marketing campaign following his mortgage to Brynas. 

Coulson Pitre, RW, Chosen in Spherical 3 (No. 65 general) 

Coulson Pitre amassed a personal-best 27 targets and earned 55 factors throughout 55 contests for the OHL’s Flint Firebirds in 2023-24. He additionally established a career-high 219 photographs on internet.

Pitre has been a point-per-game producer in every of his previous two campaigns. Along with claiming the membership’s captaincy throughout the season, he was relied on extra because the staff’s all-purpose, go-to choice. He signed an entry-level contract with the Geese in April. Pitre is projected to report back to the Gulls in 2024-25. He could possibly be a stable energy-type scorer on the skilled degree. 

Yegor Sidorov, RW/LW, Chosen in Spherical 3 (No. 85 general) 

Yegor Sidorov reached new heights offensively in 2023-24, compiling 50 targets and 88 factors in 66 outings for the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL. He completed in a tie for fourth within the league in targets and ranked first with 12 game-winners. He additionally tied for third with 16 power-play tallies. Moreover, he supplied 15 markers and eight helpers in 16 playoff matches. 

Sidorov’s flashiness and goal-scoring potential may make him an thrilling participant within the professional ranks. He’ll seemingly start the 2024-25 marketing campaign within the minors with the Gulls however may get a glance within the NHL if his penchant for lighting the lamp continues.

Konnor Smith, D, Chosen in Spherical 4 (No. 97 general) 

Konnor Smith set new private bests in 2023-24, registering 9 targets and 17 factors in 62 OHL video games between the Peterborough Petes and the Owen Sound Assault. He chipped in a single aim in 4 postseason outings with the Assault earlier than becoming a member of the Gulls on knowledgeable tryout. 

Smith scored a aim in his AHL debut, accrued 10 penalty minutes in six video games, and demonstrated a number of physicality throughout his time with the Geese’ high minor-league affiliate. He may begin the 2024-25 marketing campaign with the Gulls or return for yet one more season of junior hockey as a member of the Assault. The Geese have loads of left-hand defenders vying for enjoying time, which can give Smith extra time to develop. 

Rodwin Dionicio, LD, Chosen in Spherical 5 (No. 129 general) 

Rodwin Dionicio erupted offensively in 2023-24, producing 25 targets and 73 factors in 60 video games between the Windsor Spitfires and the Saginaw Spirit. He additionally recorded 5 tallies and 12 assists in 17 playoff contests. The playmaking defender additionally had two targets and two helpers in 5 video games on the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship for Switzerland. 

Dionicio is poised to play for EHC Biel-Bienne of Switzerland’s Nationwide League in 2024-25. He may see time within the AHL after signing his entry-level take care of the Geese in Might. 

Vojtech Port, RD, Chosen in Spherical 6 (No. 161 general) 

Vojtech Port notched 4 targets and 15 factors in 42 WHL video games between the Edmonton Oil Kings and the Moose Jaw Warriors in 2023-24. He didn’t get to play for Czechia on the 2024 IIHF World Juniors after struggling a damaged finger on a blocked shot throughout a pre-tournament matchup.  

Port has loads of upside as a rush-stopping, artistic puck-handler. Sadly, accidents have hindered him over the previous two seasons. If he can put these behind him, the Geese may have one other excellent blueliner on the fitting facet of their pipeline. He’s anticipated to return to the Warriors for the 2024-25 marketing campaign and will get one other crack at representing his nation on the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. 

Geese Proceed to Stockpile Prospects 

The Geese added dimension and talent throughout the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Carlsson is already an integral a part of the staff’s younger core, whereas others could possibly carve out roles for themselves within the NHL additional down the road.