NHL mock draft: Final projections for every first-round pick

23. Anaheim Ducks – C Akil Thomas

As the Anaheim Ducks continue to chase down another Stanley Cup their window is closing. Their core is on the decline and they need to add pieces to help them now. Unfortunately, at this part of the draft, they will not be able to get those pieces here. The Ducks will likely be active in trades or free agency to make their playoff push. That doesn’t mean the Ducks shouldn’t look to the future. Akil Thomas will one day be a replacement for centers like Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kessler. He may not reach that high level but as they age out he will take their spots. The Ducks have a talented young group on defense so forward is the best position for them to address.

Akil Thomas has been frustrating to some scouts and people around the league. He is not very flashy at all but put up a lot of points this year in the OHL. For the Niagara IceDogs Thomas picked up 81 points in 68 games. The majority of those points came from assists which reflects his best talent as a playmaker. He is great at finding the open teammate and picking apart defenses with his passing. His positioning is also helpful for him. He is always in the right place on the ice allowing him to make the right play every time.

What frustrates people is the fact that he does not jump off the page in any specific category as elite. He is just very flat with no exciting areas to his game. There is nothing wrong with that and Thomas can still turn into a really good player he just needs to better define himself as a player. Playmaking might be that thing that sets him apart. Another year in junior hockey to grow and develop will help him build his identity and the Anaheim Ducks will have a better idea of their prospect.