Ducks sign Beckett Sennecke, Stian Solberg to entry-level contracts

The team from Orange County has locked down two of its two newest prospects.

On Friday, the Anaheim Ducks signed forward Beckett Sennecke and defenseman Stian Solberg to three-year, entry-level contracts.

Both players were taken in the first round of last month’s NHL Draft in Las Vegas.

It is still amusing to look back at Sennecke’s reaction when the Ducks called his name third overall in the draft. Many experts were high on his scoring ability and size, and believed that he would go to a team in the first half of the opening round. However, him going No. 3 wasn’t on many people’s bingo cards.

Nevertheless, the former Oshawa General has great hands that make him a solid playmaker and a young man who can put the puck in the back of the net. Sennecke notched 27 goals and 68 points in 63 games during the 2023-24 season, and was big part in getting the Gennies to the OHL Final, registering 10 goals and 23 points in 16 games.

Daily Faceoff draft expert Steven Ellis had Sennecke as the No. 13 prospect heading into the draft.

Solberg comes to the Ducks system full of international experience and a lot to like about his game. Even in a defense-heavy draft class, Anaheim took the Norwegian blueliner 23rd overall. For his age, he is great size, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and 205 pounds. Even with that, he is mobile and can be an excellent puck-moving defenseman at the next level.

During this past regular season with EHL Vålerenga, Solberg notched 15 points in 42 games, but his draft stock rose sharply with his steady play against some of the top players during the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship earlier this year. The soon-to-be Farjestad defender looked good with an overmatched Norwegian team, with the expectations that he continues to develop as he grows overseas.