Sennecke, No. 3 pick of 2024 Draft, signs entry-level contract with Ducks
Anaheim also secures a deal with Solberg, an 18-year-old defenseman and the No. 23 selection.
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Beckett Sennecke, the No. 3 pick of the 2024 NHL Draft, signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.
Sennecke expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating, “The expectations carry significant weight.” He shared these sentiments after Anaheim’s development camp concluded on Friday. Recognizing his status as the third overall pick, he acknowledged the substantial expectations placed upon him, not only by others but also by himself. Consequently, he intends to fulfill those expectations to the best of his abilities.
During the previous season, the forward who was 18 years old managed to accumulate 68 points, consisting of 27 goals and 41 assists, throughout 63 regular-season games with Oshawa in the Ontario Hockey League. Additionally, this player showcased their exceptional skills during the OHL playoffs, leading all draft-eligible skaters with 10 goals and 22 points across 18 games.
In terms of game-winning goals and shots, Sennecke was a standout for Oshawa, leading the team in both categories with seven goals and 207 shots. Additionally, as a Toronto native, he held the second spot on the team for plus/minus, ranked third in scoring, fourth in assists, and fifth in goals.
Sennecke, who weighs 182 pounds and stands at 6-3, earned a spot on the OHL Second All-Rookie Team in the 2022-23 season for Oshawa. He showcased his skills with an impressive record of 55 points (20 goals and 25 assists) in 61 games. Among rookies, Sennecke ranked first in assists and second in overall scoring.
Sennecke reflected on development camp, stating, “It has definitely been a whirlwind, but I believe things have finally started to calm down in the past few days. The camp was quite challenging, but it was enjoyable, and I gained a lot of knowledge, which is the most significant aspect.”
On Friday, Stian Solberg, who was selected by the Ducks as their second first-round pick (No. 23) in the 2024 draft, sealed the deal by signing a three-year entry-level contract.
Last season, the defenseman from Oslo, Norway, who is 18 years old, played 42 games for Valerenga in the Eliteserien, which is Norway’s premier professional league. During that time, he managed to accumulate 15 points, consisting of five goals and ten assists. Impressively, Stolberg (standing at 6-1 and weighing 205 pounds) ranked first in scoring among all skaters who were 18 years old or younger. Additionally, his 15 points ranked fourth in the league’s history among defensemen of the same age or younger.
