Ducks Sign Antoine Morand to 3-Year Entry Level Contract

The Anaheim Ducks today announced that they have signed Antoine Morand to a three-year-entry-level contract.

Morand was the Ducks #60 overall pick (their 2nd pick in the 2nd round, after Maxime Comtois) in 2017. Morand has flown a bit under the radar this season in the prospect world while his childhood best friend Comtois stole headlines with his torrid scoring pace after the World Junior Championship in January.

The 19-year-old center was a member of the Memorial Cup-winning Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the QMJHL this season. While Comtois may have gotten all the headlines, Morand quietly produced at a high rate down the stretch this season with 76 points (26G, 50A) in 66 games. He added an additional 19 points (8G, 11A) in 20 playoff games.

At 5’10” and 181 pounds, the left-shooting pivot is the latest in a trend of undersized forwards finding success in the higher levels of the hockey world. Morand has shown good speed and soft hands to excel as both a goal-scorer and playmaker. His work-ethic and hockey IQ have been highly praised, with many scouts liking his ability to see the game unfold at a higher level than most of his peers his age.

Morand will play next season with the Hailfax Mooseheads after being traded from Acadie-Bathurst Titan where he will get another opportunity to play for a Memorial Cup with Hailfax hosting the tournament in 2019. He will not be eligible to enter the AHL and join the San Diego Gulls with his 20th birthday coming in February of 2019.