LW, NIC KERDILES, USA U-18 NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM (COMMITTED TO UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN)
Justin's Take:
The Ducks certainly got value with this pick by adding the big, burly, homegrown winger to the organization with the 36th pick. Kerdiles gives the Ducks a natural shooting left-wing in their system, something they have been lacking in the organization for years now. Most notably, Kerdiles literally fits the bill, as Bob Murray has mentioned recently he's interested in restoring the size the team used to pummel their way to a Stanley Cup five years ago. Although he's not a center, he'll do. Grade: A
Rankings:
The Hockey News: 33
Hockey Prospectus: 27
The Scouting Report: 26
From The Scouting Report:
Much like other top draft eligible players in this year’s draft, Kerdiles was struck by the injury bug this season—missing six games due to a lower body injury in the middle of the season. Despite the injury, Kerdiles lead the program in goals and assists with 22 goals and 26 assists in 54 games. The University of Wisconsin commit reminds many of former NTDP program mate J.T. Miller in that he’s very strong on the ice, but falls short in the potential offensive upside.
[Ed. Note: Kid looks like Peyton Manning, no?]