Top prospects for Anaheim Ducks

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 8-Sept. 8. Today, the top five prospects for the Anaheim Ducks, according to NHL.com.

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1. Mason McTavish, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 3 pick in 2021 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Anaheim (NHL): 9 GP, 2-1-3; San Diego (AHL): 3 GP, 1-1-2; Hamilton (OHL): 24 GP, 14-26-40; Peterborough (OHL): 5 GP, 6-1-7.
The 19-year-old center played nine games in the NHL before he was sent to the American Hockey League last season. McTavish played the majority of his season in the Ontario Hockey League but also played for Canada at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and had one assist in five games. McTavish (6-foot, 213 pounds) will get every chance to make the roster out of camp.
"Mason McTavish is quietly an excellent, excellent leader," coach Dallas Eakins said. "He's going to be a fun one to watch. His level of mental toughness -- he played for us, he played for the San Diego Gulls, he played for the Peterborough Petes, he played for the Olympic Team, he played for the World Junior team, he played for Hamilton -- this kid was on half a dozen teams and he just went about his business on a real simple process of how can he be his best today. … We are really looking forward to seeing if he can have an impact on our NHL team this year."
Projected NHL arrival: This season

2. Jacob Perreault, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 27 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Anaheim: 1 GP, 0-0-0; San Diego (AHL): 55 GP, 14-23-37
The 20-year-old made his NHL debut against the New York Rangers on Jan. 8. Perreault (5-11, 192) was fifth on San Diego in points and first with 130 shots on goal, and could begin the season in the AHL before a call-up later in the season.
Projected NHL arrival: This season

3. Lukas Dostal, G

How acquired: Selected with No. 85 pick in 2018 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Anaheim: 4 GP (3 starts), 1-2-0, 2.98 GAA, .907 save percentage; San Diego (AHL): 40 GP, 18-14-4, 2.60 GAA, .916 save percentage
Dostal put up solid numbers as the starter for San Diego in the AHL and got his feet wet with four NHL games. The 22-year-old also played one game for Czechia at the 2022 IIHF World Championship to help it finish in third place. Dostal (6-2, 174) could compete with Anthony Stolarz for the backup goalie job behind John Gibson.
"I don't think you come into camp getting ready for the season with the San Diego Gulls; [making the team] should definitely be his goal," Eakins said. "I think he'll be hard pressed. John Gibson is John Gibson and Anthony Stolarz had a great season last year. But that's what you have to have, not only at that position but at all positions. We need the guys from the bottom pushing the guys up further above them for their ice time and we need the guys who are up above trying to establish a huge gap."
Projected NHL arrival: This season

4. Pavel Mintyukov, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 10 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Saginaw (OHL): 67 GP, 17-45-62
The 18-year-old signed a three-year, entry-level contract July 16 and is expected to play for Saginaw in the OHL this season. He ranked third among OHL defensemen in points and was named to the OHL Third All-Star Team. Mintyukov (6-1, 192) likely will need at least one full season and maybe two before being considered for a full-time role in the NHL.
Projected NHL arrival: 2024-25

5. Nathan Gaucher, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 22 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Quebec (QMJHL): 66 GP, 31-26-57
The 18-year-old signed a three-year, entry-level contract July 28 and is expected to play for Quebec in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season. Gaucher (6-3, 208) was named the Mike Bossy Trophy winner as the QMJHL's Best Professional Prospect and had a plus-30 rating and 74 penalty minutes to go along with his 57 points. The center is a two-way player and was a finalist for the Guy Carbonneau Trophy as the league's best defensive forward last season. Gaucher is also not afraid to battle for puck possession in the corners.
"I love going into there," Gaucher said at development camp in July. "I have the shape, I have the physique for that, I have the compete level, so I know I'm going to bring the puck out. ... The thing is, in the NHL, it's another level, so you have to get used to it, but I think I'll be there soon."
Projected NHL arrival: 2024-25