Will Sennecke Stick in Anaheim?
Beckett Sennecke, at only 19 years of age, has made the Anaheim Ducks opening night roster. He was drafted merely 16 months ago. Factor in the growth spurt he experienced going into his draft year, and his stock has clearly experienced a rocket ship trajectory.
Sennecke’s Training Camp
Sennecke did not have a smooth preseason. His Rookie Faceoff performance was quiet, with some low light moments including gaffes with the puck and lost board battles. His first few exhibition games were much the same, as he struggled to impose himself physically, while making costly mistakes with the puck on his stick.
However, as the preseason progressed, the offensive pizzazz that made him a third overall pick progressively showed up on a more regular basis, culminating with a highlight reel goal against the San Jose Sharks.
Although the flashes picked up, the two way game still had its warts, notably with a poor backcheck in overtime of the final preseason game. Mind you, all of this is far from unexpected for a teen-aged hockey player. The details, while critical in the NHL, are less of the focus of the evaluation, as the raw tools and skill take center stage.
While taking nothing away from his long term projection, Sennecke did not appear to be a player ready to be an everyday impactful NHLer at this specific juncture of his career. Yet, here he is, on the opening night roster, and the Ducks seem to have a plan in mind for him.
The “Beckett” Plan…?
The Ducks made headlines two years ago by crafting a unique, development-based plan for Leo Carlsson in his rookie year, where he effectively was on a games-played restriction for the first half of the season, allowing him to build himself up physically while adjusting to the rigors of the NHL. However, when Carlsson did get into the lineup, he was featured with top line minutes and power play duties.
Pat Verbeek mentioned in an interview this week that the Ducks plan on doing something similar with Sennecke. Yet, Sennecke is older than Carlsson was as a rookie, and he’s much further along physically after hitting a late growth spurt. He weighed in at over 206 pounds for camp, and thanks to his propensity to be shirtless in interviews, has made it apparent that he’s put on some serious muscle.
Pair Verbeek’s comments with Joel Quenneville’s last week, who referred to Sennecke as a potential wild card in the lineup: someone who will line up in the bottom six, but will also get power play minutes and spot duty with higher end players. Prior to Ryan Strome’s injury, Sennecke had taken regular shifts with Ross Johnston and Ryan Poehling on a true fourth line.
The lineup could change even going into opening night, but on the day prior, he practiced on a line with Mason McTavish and Cutter Gauthier. Should that hold, he’ll get plenty of offensive opportunities.
All of this to say: the Ducks want Beckett Sennecke in the NHL. But is he ready? Is it a good idea?
Where we go from here
Sennecke’s only option outside of the NHL is to go back to the OHL. Yes, the Ducks can scratch him for a few games in a row, and he’d qualify for an AHL conditioning stint. But for practical purposes, it’s the NHL or the “O”, and that is the crux of the issue.
Sennecke’s preseason struggles made it clear that he does not yet have the pro details and habits on a consistent basis yet (emphasis on yet! don’t get mad at me!). The Ducks have concluded that the NHL is a better place for him to work out those details, and improve upon them, than junior hockey. For now.
The common refrain is that Sennecke has “nothing left to learn” in junior hockey. Watch his games from last year though. Many of the same mistakes he made in preseason, were readily apparent in the OHL playoffs. Therefore, he can, in fact, learn and improve in the OHL. He’s far from a perfect player there, despite the gaudy production. The question is: will he? Is he motivated to do so there? Do the Ducks trust the coaching to happen there?
Bear in mind: the OHL is the best junior hockey league in the world. It’s one of the best leagues in the world, period. Sennecke can improve as a player there, full stop. Development is a fickle thing though, and the mental aspect can’t be overlooked. By getting to “feel” up close and personal what it takes to be a pro, both on and off the ice, Sennecke may learn those habits more quickly than he would if he went straight back to junior.
This is a touch and go situation. The Ducks have not outright said Sennecke will be on the team all season. If he shines early, that probably buys him more time. If he falters, the OHL is right there. My bet is that they keep him around the team until the World Juniors, where he can go and play in a high-pressure environment for Team Canada, before going back to the OHL for the stretch run.
As much as his overall game needs to improve, it’s important not to neglect the offensive side of the puck, either. There is a value to players getting to truly dominate their level offensively, allowing them to expand and experiment with their offensive toolkit, before eventually refining and drilling into the defensive details. You’d rather have to rein someone in, than teach them how to run.
The Ducks have made their choice, based on all the variables above, and much more. There is definitely a value in this experience for Sennecke. How he adjusts to it might determine how long it lasts, but if nothing else, keep the following in mind. Anaheim drafted Sennecke for what he will be in four to five years, not what he will be as a teenager. This is all part of the development process. Each and every shift will still be scrutinized, but it’s still all about the long game.