Top prospects for Anaheim Ducks

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Anaheim Ducks, according to NHL.com.

[Ducks 32 in 32: Season preview | 3 Questions | Fantasy projections]

How acquired: Selected with No. 2 pick in 2023 NHL Draft

2022-23 season: Orebro HK (SHL): 44 GP, 10-15-25

Carlsson (6-foot-3, 198 pounds) signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Anaheim on July 12, although it's unclear where he will begin the season. The 18-year-old center also played for Sweden at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship and had six points in seven games (three goals, three assists) and five points (three goals, two assists) in eight games at the 2023 World Championship.

"The first thing that stands out to you is his size," said Matt McIlvane, coach of the Ducks' American Hockey League affiliate in San Diego. "He's a big, tall guy that certainly knows how to use that range on the ice. His ability with the puck and ability to be able to see the game stands out right away to be at a very high level. And again, the thing that was the most impressive about Leo is just his character. He's humble, he's coachable, he's excited. And he's very, very hungry for the opportunity."

Projected NHL arrival: This season

Video: The guys on Leo Carlsson's three-year contract

How acquired: Selected with No. 10 pick in 2022 NHL Draft

2022-23 season: Saginaw (OHL): 37 GP, 16-38-54; Ottawa (OHL): 32 GP, 8-26-34

Mintyukov (6-1, 192) led Ontario Hockey League defensemen with 88 points (24 goals, 64 assists) in 69 games with Saginaw and Ottawa last season and was named OHL Defenseman of the Year. The 19-year-old will play in the AHL this season if he doesn't earn a spot out of training camp, but likely will be in a Ducks uniform at some point in 2023-24.

Projected NHL arrival: This season

How acquired: Selected with No. 34 pick in 2021 NHL Draft

2022-23 season: Kamloops (WHL): 32 GP, 22-30-52; Everett (WHL) 23 GP, 10-18-28

The 19-year-old led Western Hockey League defensemen in goals (32) and was second at the position in points (80) with Everett and Kamloops last season. Zellweger (5-9, 175) was named WHL Defenseman of the Year each of the past two seasons and has more than earned a shot to make the opening night roster.

"I think that the goal for [Mintyukov and Zellweger] has to be training to make the team out of camp," McIlvane said. "And then understand that if the timing's not right or the plan for their development sends them to the American Hockey League that they're going to have a place that they're excited about coming to and a place where they know that they're going to have a great, clear plan about getting better to be able to accomplish their goals, being able to get to the Ducks and hopefully take that team to another level. … They're two very dynamic players that have very good hockey sense, great skill level."

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

Video: Breaking down key players in Ducks' prospect pipeline

How acquired: Selected with No. 22 pick in 2022 NHL Draft

2022-23 season: Quebec (QMJHL): 44 GP, 22-24-46

Gaucher (6-3, 208 pounds) was impressive in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last season. He had 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 18 playoff games to help Quebec win the QMJHL title, won the Guy Carbonneau Trophy as the best defensive forward in the QMJHL, and won the Memorial Cup. The 19-year-old also helped Canada win gold at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, with four points (one goal, three assists) in seven games.

"He strikes you right away as somebody that could have great leadership qualities about him," McIlvane said. "When you're giving a meeting as a coach, he's one of the guys that's just totally locked in. Anytime there's a drill on the ice, he's so focused on what he's doing, and you can just tell that his makeup has helped him to have success, but also his success that he had gives him a great level of confidence moving into this next challenge."

Projected NHL arrival: This season

How acquired: Selected with No. 27 pick in 2020 NHL Draft

2022-23 season: San Diego (AHL): 48 GP, 8-11-19

The 21-year-old had 19 points in 48 games last season in his second full season in the AHL. Perreault (5-11, 192 pounds) has played one NHL game (in 2021-22) but should compete for a bottom-six forward spot at training camp.

"I didn't get to see [Perreault] at development camp. He has been with the team just a little bit longer," McIlvane said. "He's got a big focus for this summer on getting himself physically ready to be able to challenge for our spot at training camp."

Projected NHL arrival: Next season