The Anaheim Ducks have signed right-shot defenceman Jamie Drysdale to a three-year entry-level contract. Drysdale was Anaheim’s first of two first-round picks in the 2020 NHL Draft. Anaheim selected him sixth overall and was the second defenceman taken after Jake Sanderson went fifth overall to the Ottawa Senators.
Now it’s 2/2 for our first-round picks.
Jamie Drysdale has signed!📖: https://t.co/EHe65D8hqO pic.twitter.com/Zdm9puhMbX
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) November 7, 2020
Jamie Drysdale Signs Entry-Level Contract
The Ducks have signed one of their top prospects to his first NHL deal. Earlier in November, they signed their other first-round pick, Jacob Perrault, as well. Last season, Drysdale played for the Erie Otters of the OHL. He was a part of their leadership group being an alternate captain for the team. In 49 games, Drysdale put up nine goals and 38 assists for 47 points. This gave him a points-per-game average of 0.96. In a full 68 game OHL season, Drysdale paced for about 65 points. Drysdale finished tenth among defencemen in points-per-game in the OHL.
Where He’ll Play
As far as his 2020-21 campaign goes, Drysdale will likely spend another season in the OHL. While this is the most probable outcome, due to the OHL banning bodychecking next season, the Ducks might have other plans for Drysdale. Do not be surprised if Drysdale got around nine games in with the Ducks to start his season. The Ducks might want him to get a feel for the NHL at first so he can see what he needs to work on over the course of his season.
The first priority for Drysdale’s 2020-21 season, however, will be the World Junior Championship. After scoring one goal and two assists for three points in seven games with Team Canada last year, Drysdale will look to play a bigger role for his country. He is expected to play top-pairing minutes along with Colorada Avalanche prospect Bowen Byram. Canada is heading into the tournament with a stacked roster, and Drysdale will be a big part of it.
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