Key to the Future

A look at some of the top prospects in the Mighty Ducks minor league system:

PHONE CALL AWAY

When the Ducks need help, here’s where they’ll turn first. Many of these players aren’t destined for stardom, but they have experience. Or, in the cases of players such as Mike Leclerc and Frank Banham, they have promise and are close to playing in the NHL.

Name (Pos): Frank Banham (RW)

Age: 21

1996-97 Team: Baltimore (AHL)

1995-96 Team: Baltimore (AHL)/Saskatoon (WHL)

83-goal season as junior, but how will it translate as a pro?

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Name (Pos): Mike Leclerc (LW)

Age: 19

1996-97 Team: Baltimore (AHL)

1995-96 Team: Brandon (WHL)

111 points as a junior in 1995-96 and a strong exhibition showing with Ducks.

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Name (Pos): Barry Nieckar (RW)

Age: 28

1996-97 Team: Long Beach (IHL)

1995-96 Team: Peoria (IHL)

Tough guy with a few games in NHL.

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Name (Pos): Jeremy Stevenson (LW)

Age: 22

1996-97 Team: Baltimore (AHL)

1995-96 Team: Baltimore (AHL)/Anaheim

Mobile young tough guy played 3 games for Ducks.

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Name (Pos): Dan Trebil (D)

Age: 22

1996-97 Team: Baltimore

1995-96 Team: Minnesota (WCHA)

First-year pro caught eyes early in training camp.

ON THEIR WAY, BUT NOT THIS YEAR

Much the way baseball teams often have their best prospects developing in double-A, the Ducks have high hopes for these players, all at least a year or so away from the NHL.

Name (Pos): Tom Askey (G)

Age: 21

1996-97 Team: Baltimore (AHL)

1995-96 Team: Ohio State

High marks on bad college team. Will he develop enough to be goalie of the future?

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Name (Pos): Mike Crowley (D)

Age: 21

1996-97 Team: U. of Minnesota

1995-96 Team: U. of Minnesota

Ducks’ top college prospect had 63 points in 42 games.

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Name (Pos): Matt Cullen (C)

Age: 17

1996-97 Team: St. Cloud State

1995-96 Team: St. Cloud State

‘96 2nd-round pick among Top 5 prospects.

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Name (Pos): Johan Davidsson (C)

Age: 20

1996-97 Team: Jonkoping HV-71 (Sweden)

1995-96 Team: Jonkoping HV-71 (Sweden)

Finesse playmaker might be organization’s top prospect.

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Name (Pos): Peter Leboutillier (RW)

Age: 21

1996-97 Team: Baltimore (AHL)

1995-96 Team: Baltimore (AHL)

Had 228 PIM but also scored first goal in Bandit history.

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Name (Pos): Marc Moro (D)

Age: 19

1996-97 Team: Kingston (OHL)

1995-96 Team: Kingston (OHL)

Was 27th pick overall in 1995 draft. Acquired in Oct. 1 trade with Ottawa.

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Name (Pos): Pavel Trnka (D)

Age: 20

1996-97 Team: Baltimore (AHL)

1995-96 Team: Baltimore (AHL)

Very promising defender needs game experience.

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Name (Pos): Igor Nikulin (RW)

Age: 24

1996-97 Team: Ft. Wayne (IHL)

1995-96 Team: Cherepovets (Russia)/Baltimore (AHL)

Among Top 5 prospects, must learn North American game.

HELP DOWN THE LINE

It will probably be a year or two before they sign contracts, then another year or two before they’re close to the NHL, but the Ducks hope they’re part of their future.

Name (Pos): Antii Aalto (C)

Age: 21

1996-97 Team: TPS Turku (Finland)

1995-96 Team: TPS Turku (Finland)

A European Garry Valk.

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Name (Pos): Bates Battaglia (LW)

Age: 20

1996-97 Team: Lake Superior State

1995-96 Team: Lake Superior State

Much improved, now among best prospects.

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Name (Pos): Marc Chouinard (C)

Age: 19

1996-97 Team: Halifax (QMJHL)

1995-96 Team: Halifax (QMJHL)

Throw-in in Teemu Selanne trade scored 52 points in 54 games.

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Name (Pos): Espen Knutsen (C)

Age: 24

1996-97 Team: Djurgarden (Sweden)

1995-96 Team: Djurgarden (Sweden)

Rights to quick playmaking center were acquired from Hartford for Kevin Brown.

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Name (Pos): Tommi Miettinen (C)

Age: 20

1996-97 Team: TPS Turku (Finland)

1995-96 Team: TPS Turku (Finland)

Slender finesse player needs time to blossom.