29. Anaheim Ducks – Lassi Thomson (D, Kelowna Rockets, WHL)
The Anaheim Ducks’ second first-round pick originally belonged to the San Jose Sharks until they traded it to the Buffalo Sabres in the trade that sent Evander Kane to Buffalo.
Later, the Ducks would trade defenseman Brandon Montour to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for this pick. Earlier in my mock draft, I had the Ducks take a skilled forward in Trevor Zegras.
I’m going to switch things up a little bit and have them take a defenseman in Lassi Thomson.
Thomson is a 6’0 right-handed Finnish defenseman playing for the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL. He’s been described as a very good puck handler who excels at breakouts both with his wheels and a strong first pass.
After playing in his homeland Finland for his whole career, he spent this season playing for Kelowna and put up 41 points in 63 games. He’s committed to play for Ilves of the SM-Liiga back home, and could be a solid pick for the Ducks should they take him at 29th.