Ducks Draft News Part 1: Ducks May Be Interested In Boychuk With 12th Pick in Ottawa

By Ken Armer, Puck Drop Senior Staff Writer
May 25, 2008

Writer's Note: This is part one of a two-part series on who the Anaheim Ducks may be hoping to draft at this year's NHL Entry Draft.

At this year's draft in Ottawa, the Ducks have a lot of great talent that may fall into their lap at the 12^th pick, courtesy of Edmonton. The Ducks have a lot of options, but if anything seems clear, it is the Duck want to increase scoring while keeping the physical nature they have become known for as well.

According to the Hockey News, the 12^th pick is Zach Boychuk, who has played on Canada's World Junior team. Boychuk, a left handed center from Airdrie, Alberta, is a little small for the Ducks' physical game plan at 5-9, 175lbs. Even with his small size he is considered a leader to the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL.

Boychuk is a real scoring threat. He is the type of leader who leads by example, and his example is scoring. This is something the Ducks could address by drafting the sniper.

Zach scored 33 goals and 39 assists for 72 points in 61 games. He helped Canada win the gold medal at the World Junior Championships in January and caught fire when he returned to Lethbridge. Boychuk scored his first career hat trick and piled up three four-point games during the month of February.

Boychuk has been just as hot in the post-season with six goals and five assists for 11 points in eight games. He had at least one goal in each of the first five games; he finished with eight points in their six-game opening-round series win against Brandon.

Image: Courtesy of Getty Images via nhl.com