Pretty good to be honest. The first line is the line most Ducks fans want because of their chemistry. Terry with Getzlaf seems more likely to me at this point (and Rakell with Comtois and Zegras), but we don't know for sure what's going to happen.

Steel won't be playing as the 2nd line Center. Getzlaf and Lundeström are both better. Steel hasn't been good at the NHL level (and especially under Eakins), but I think he'll play on the 4th line.

I'd personally prefer Volkov and Milano > Grant and DLo, but I think they'll switch them around quite a bit. Defense is basically how I imagine it will be, but I don't think Curran will play in the NHL. I think the team sees Benoit and Mahura in front of him on the depth chart. I expect Larsson, Mahura and Benoit to split the games (and I hope Curran get's a chance as well).

so from what I understand you're thinking something like

Comtois - Zegras - Rakell
Henrique - Getzlaf - Terry
Jones - Lundestrom - Silfverberg
Milano - Steel - Volkov

Lindholm - Manson
Fowler - Drysdale
Larsson/Mahura/Benoit/Curran - Shattenkirk

I disagree respectfully with my HIGHLY esteemed colleague @TZ11 on the first line because I see Terry as primarily a playmaker, just like Ryan Getzlaf, so I see the first line as you have here. I think that Lundestrom plays with one of his fellow Swedes on RW. Steel on the fourth line and, as TZ says, I'd much prefer Volkov and Milano over Grant and DesLauriers until one or both of the youngsters prove unable to make the grade. TZ is bang on as to the defense -- again, until someone shows he isn't up to the task. But I'd like to see Curran get his shot, too.

I would probably prefer the Comtois-Zegras-Terry line as well, but it seems like Eakins really likes Getzlaf and Terry. He said it sometime before camp and he played them with Milano tonight. Maybe they will try to boost Rakell's trade value by letting him play with Zegras and Comtois. If Milano stays injury free and plays well I could see that (Milano-Getzlaf-Terry) being a decent 2nd line, but there's no real goal scorer on that line.



That's pretty much what I expect. Maybe Groulx is really good training camp and gets Steel's spot, but this is pretty realistic.

BO will have to have a hell of a camp to make this team right out of the gate. Not saying it won't happen but it seems really unlikely considering we have like six centers among the top 14 forwards as it is. I fully anticipate seeing him get called up at some point but there's too much of a logjam down the middle if everyone's healthy.

My assumption is that Henrique will play Wing. Grant shouldn't be a full-time NHLer, but he'll probably play because Eakins likes him. Steel hasn't been good at all since Eakins has been there and therefore I could see Groulx taking his spot if he has a really good camp. And if Eakins realizes Groulx is better than Grant, BO might get the chance to play. It seems unrealistic, but I'm definitely rooting for him.

I'm totally rooting for him too but at this stage he's simply not better than Henrique, Grant or ever Steel. He should be, eventually, but those guys are all established pros whom will be wasted in the press box. It's funny how much negativity Grant inspires. There must be some analytical stat that suggests he's terrible because he's really not. He has been a solid fourth-line center ever stint he's been with us. Steel frustrates the hell out of me and I'm actually annoyed Murph hasn't traded him to maximize his value as he's cruising towards bustville. But he has talent and produces, a bit. He really needs to step up and early. Rico is totally solid and sure as hell isn't going to get bumped by a rookie. He had a bizarre stretch there last year that led to him getting waived but he was his old self after that. I expect another 20-ish-goal, 40-point season from his this year.

As I said, my guess is that Henrique will be playing Wing. Groulx isn't better than him, but I never said that anyways. They wouldn't play the same position and Rico wouldn't be bumped by Groulx.

All analytics say Grant is terrible, but I mainly don't think he's good by watching. He is a solid extra forward, but he shouldn't be the Center on the line Eakins plays against the top lines of other teams. I think Groulx could be better than him if he's used correctly, but maybe not quite yet. I think Groulx will be ahead of Grant in 22/23.

I think Steel has to perform this season or he's done in Anaheim. I think that if he continues to struggle, he could be dealt at the TDL.

I hope for the Centers to be Zegras-Getzlaf-Lundeström-Groulx, but I think Grant will start as the 4th line Center.

Bravo, my friend. Totally have to eat crow on this. Really impressed with Bo and hope he makes the best of this opportunity. Very, very disappointed in Steel. Should have traded him a while ago.

I really hope he does well, he has so much potential. Sad to see what has become of Steel. I think he could get traded in a trade for a different young player who has struggled (someone like Bellows).

Btw I think I was a bit too hard on Grant. He looked fine the last few games and I think he looked a lot better last season before Rowney got injured. After that injury he didn't play too well imo.