While the Anaheim Ducks continue to integrate young players into their lineup, not all will have a linear path with their development. While the likes of Max Comtois and Troy Terry performed well with the Ducks this year, one key young forward who had a fairly disappointing season was Sam Steel.
Steel didn’t take the step the team would've been hoping for this season, managing just six goals and 12 points in 42 games, a 0.29 point per game average. This came after he scored six goals and 22 points in 65 games the year prior (a 0.34 points per game average), and he had also posted a 0.50 points per game average in 22 games with the Ducks during the 2018-19 season.
The decline in production is a cause for concern, especially when digging a bit deeper. Despite scoring just six goals this year, Steel’s shooting percentage was actually 14.3 per cent and his shots per game average was down. This means his production could’ve actually been even lower, if not for the high shooting percentage.
Here’s a look at his shot attempts per game averages over the last three seasons:
Steel’s role was even decreased this year, as he saw his ice time at even strength and power play minutes drop. At this point, he’s getting a bit lost in the mix of young players on the roster, whereas before, he was projected to be one of the standouts. He was a healthy scratch at times this season and given that he’s now 23 years old, it’s hard to project what kind of player Steel will be long-term.
The Ducks now have other young centers who have made the jump to the NHL, in Trevor Zegras and Isac Lundestrom. Given that Mason McTavish was the team’s most recent high draft pick as well, Steel could be at serious risk of permanently getting pushed down the lineup in the near future.
As a result, next season will be a pivotal year for Steel. If he does recover to the point where he’s a serviceable middle-six center, this past year can potentially be written off as a hiccup in his development. If not, there will be more questions raised about whether or not Steel will be around long-term.
***NOTE: We've launched a HockeyBuzz Ducks Twitter account! For anyone interested, you can follow @HB_Ducks for updates on articles, Ducks news, etc.***
What do you think Sam Steel's long-term role will be with the Ducks?
Anaheim Ducks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»