Why the Anaheim Ducks are betting big – literally – on Beckett Sennecke

LAS VEGAS – The Anaheim Ducks aren’t messing around here.

After surprising everyone by taking Leo Carlsson in Nashville last year, GM Pat Verbeek made a big splash by announcing Beckett Sennecke as the third overall pick at the Sphere on Friday night. Anaheim had the swing pick with the ability to shake things up, in a draft dominated by high-end defensemen, the Ducks decided to take a chance on Beckett Sennecke – one of the biggest risers on draft boards this year.

It’s a ballsy pick, especially with talented players like Ivan Demidov and Cayden Lindstrom still on the board. But the Ducks – like many in the prospect world – must think the upward trajectory will help Sennecke blow up to new heights and exceed all expectations.

There might not be a more raw prospect at the sharp end of the draft class than Sennecke, and that’s incredibly intriguing.

Sennecke was listed as 5-foot-10 when Oshawa took him in the first round of the 2022 OHL Draft, and he struggled to hold his own physically. The offense was always there – he was a powerhouse on a Toronto Marlboros squad that also featured top 2024 prospect Sam Dickinson. Nobody was even in the ballpark of Sennecke’s offensive skills, but scouts were worried about his lack of physicality.

But fast forward to this season. He’s standing tall at 6-foot-2, plays a menacing game built on power and continues to hone in his own abilities. And that’s huge, given his game was built on highlight-reel, ankle-breaking plays for so long. Add in the muscle and the way he drives the net and it makes him extremely difficult to contain.

Sennecke had 43 points in his final 35 regular season games before potting 22 points in 16 postseason outings. It seemed like something just clicked and quickly. His fierce forechecking got more aggressive, he figured out how to use his speed to his advantage and continued to add more muscle mass.

“He’s got tremendous hands, quick and effective,” a scout said. “And then you get the size, the speed and the hockey IQ and he’s a really rounded threat.”

But despite being “raw,” Sennecke is still learning to play to his strengths and use his tools to his advantage. A great second half with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals was a great start, but his injury-related absence during the OHL Championship series against London hurt their chances. They looked like a totally different team without Sennecke, and it speaks to his importance – and his impact.

“The kid I watched in January isn’t the kid I saw in the playoffs,” one scout said. “He transformed into one of the most dominant forces in the CHL.”

When dealing with 18-year-olds, you have to project so much about their future and how they’ll grow physically and mentally. But many love Sennecke’s confidence, and you need that at this age. He believes in himself and his ability, knows what he needs to do better and feels like he has the all-around ability to take his game to the next level and be a legitimate pro.

If there’s ever a time to have a breakout, it’s the end of the season when scouts are making crucial decisions about the future stars of the franchise. Sennecke’s second half was truly spectacular, and those who follow prospects the most have adopted him as one of their favorite prospects.

When you’re selecting as high as the Ducks, you’re chasing the best player available. Taking risks can be… risky. But you have to trust your scouting department. You watch all year long to see players grow and show positive development, and nobody did it better than Sennecke this year.

And the Anaheim Ducks are hoping it’s just the beginning. Always bet on upside.

Why the Anaheim Ducks are betting big – literally – on Beckett Sennecke

Recently by Steven Ellis