Sam Colangelo’s Big 36 Hours
Sam Colangelo, a 23-year-old forward, has had a whirlwind of a season, yo-yoing between the NHL and AHL. After a promising four-year NCAA career at Western Michigan, Colangelo made his professional hockey debut in April with the San Diego Gulls of the AHL. He quickly caught the attention of the Anaheim Ducks, who recalled him twice during the 2023-24 season. Despite playing just 12 games with the Ducks, Colangelo managed to score his first NHL goal, an achievement that underscores his potential. His initial recall in late November saw him play a fourth-line role, where he struggled to make an impact on the scoresheet over eight games. However, Anaheim’s head coach, Greg Cronin, recognized Colangelo’s unique skill set, highlighting his ability to score and skate. Cronin emphasized that if Colangelo could demonstrate his skating prowess by hitting and battling in tight spaces, it would reflect positively on his game and secure him a spot in the lineup.
College and Professional Debut
In his senior year at Western Michigan, Colangelo put up impressive numbers, tallying 43 points (24 goals and 19 assists) in just 38 games. This performance earned him a professional contract with the Ducks, and he seamlessly transitioned to the Gulls, scoring four points (one goal and three assists) in his first four games. His contributions in the AHL did not go unnoticed, as he was the Gulls’ representative at the AHL All-Star weekend and currently co-leads the team in scoring with 33 points (18 goals and 15 assists) in 34 games. Colangelo’s journey from college to professional hockey has been marked by perseverance and a steadfast commitment to improving his game. Despite the initial setback of being reassigned to the AHL, he remains focused on his development, adhering to the mindset he cultivated during his transfer to Western Michigan: "Just get better every day."
Adjusting to the NHL
Colangelo’s return to the NHL in January came during a challenging six-game road trip for the Ducks. The team, facing a critical stretch in their playoff race, saw Colangelo suit up for four games, filling in for injured star Trevor Zegras and absent Troy Terry. During this period, Colangelo played a significant role in the top nine, often slotting into Terry’s position on the wing alongside Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano. He also played alongside Leo Carlsson and Alex Killorn. Colangelo’s ability to adapt to different line combinations speaks to his versatility and hockey IQ. His lone NHL goal during this stretch, scored while playing in Terry’s spot, is a testament to his scoring potential and the value he brings to the team. Despite the Ducks’ disappointing 1-4-1 record on the road trip, Colangelo’s performance warranted further attention.
Refining His Game
When Colangelo was drafted 36th overall in 2020, his skating and play-driving were areas that needed improvement. However, his college career at Western Michigan saw him significantly refine these aspects of his game. He has developed a powerful stride and strong edges, allowing him to excel in small areas and win battles. Colangelo’s forechecking skills are particularly noteworthy; he pressures well and consistently finds lanes to position himself as a passing option in the neutral zone. His above-average release from the perimeter and ability to score around the crease, where he wins battles and capitalizes on loose pucks, are key strengths. These attributes align well with the Ducks’ current focus on net-front play, a strategy emphasized by head coach Greg Cronin and his staff in the 2024-25 season. Colangelo’s game, therefore, should be appealing to the coaching staff, especially given the team’s struggles in goal-scoring, currently the worst in the NHL at 2.48 goals per game.
Impact on the Ducks
The Ducks are in urgent need of offensive firepower, averaging just two goals per game in their last four outings heading into the NHL 4 Nations break. Colangelo’s recent form in the AHL, where he has scored 11 points (five goals and six assists) in his last 10 games, suggests that he could provide the needed boost to the team’s top nine. Pat Verbeek, the Ducks’ general manager, has expressed a desire to add a top-six right-shot forward to the lineup, a position that Colangelo could potentially fill. Verbeek notably failed to sign Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault in the offseason, but Colangelo, already within the organization, may be the solution he has been seeking. With the trade deadline just seven games away, it seems prudent for the Ducks to give Colangelo another opportunity to showcase his talents in the NHL and potentially solidify his place in the top nine.
Looking Forward
Sam Colangelo’s journey is a tale of resilience and continuous improvement. From his college days to his professional debut and beyond, he has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and refine his skills. His recent performance in the AHL, combined with his brief but impactful NHL appearances, indicates that he is ready to take the next step in his career. The Ducks, facing a tough season, could benefit greatly from Colangelo’s energy, scoring touch, and versatility. As the team continues to search for solutions to their offensive woes, giving Colangelo another chance to prove himself in the NHL seems like a logical and promising move. His story is a reminder that sometimes, the answer to a team’s problems can be found within their own ranks, waiting for the right opportunity to shine.
