Anaheim Ducks extend Jacob Larsson for two years
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman is reporting that the Anaheim Ducks have extended defenseman Jacob Larsson for two years at a $1.2 million AAV.
Selected in the first round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft at 27th overall, the 23-year-old Swedish defenseman was once billed as "Hampus Lindholm 2.0”. Unfortunately, Larsson has not approached those expectations, struggling mightily at the NHL level.
General Manager Bob Murray has blamed Larsson’s lack of development on his Swedish junior team, Fröndula HC, and their handling of a knee injury and subsequent surgery. While Larsson has had success despite the injury with the San Diego Gulls, he only has 16 points in 113 games with Anaheim, often getting caved in by shots when he was in his usual spot on the third defensive pairing.
Given the Ducks gluttony of left-handed defensemen and his disappointing performance, it would make sense for this contract to be expansion-draft related. The extension would allow him to be exposed by Anaheim for Seattle to pick up if they choose to go the defenseman route.