Prospect Update: Deven Sideroff
By Thomas Harrington
Deven Sideroff completed his first season of professional hockey, spending the entire season with the Gulls. Sideroff was another member of San Diego’s rookie class who struggled through much of the season.
Sideroff had actually made his professional debut the prior season, getting in three games with the Gulls at the end of the year and recording one assist. This past season, he played in 47 games and scored four goals and eight points. Sideroff had a decent start to the season, picking up a goal and three points in seven games in October. He had two points in both November and December, but only had one assist once the new year started. Similar to Julius Nattinen, another rookie who struggled, Sideroff only played in one game in April when the Gulls were desperately trying to make the playoffs.
Follow our show for a chance at winning a $50 Cool Hockey gift card! DucksNPucks Podcast
A year ago, I said that Sideroff didn’t need to be one of San Diego’s top forwards, but that he did have the offensive potential to play in their top six and see some time on the powerplay. One of Sideroff’s four goals did come on the powerplay, but that was the extent of his special team scoring. I also said that he needed to be good enough to make sure he was in the lineup on a consistent basis and be a scoring threat when he was on the ice. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, as he missed over 20 games and was rarely on the ice when the Gulls needed just one win to make the playoffs.
Sideroff’s first professional season didn’t go as hoped, but that doesn’t mean he can’t respond with a much better sophomore outing. Sideroff is a fast winger with a scoring touch, he just needs to find that touch in the AHL. He doesn’t need to become an elite scorer this season, but the team needs to be able to count on him to score at a more consistent rate. Sideroff also needs to see more playing time this season. Finally, Sideroff needs to have a much better second half of the season. One solitary assist after the new year is simply not good enough.
Sideroff is still a ways away from making his NHL debut. Between Corey Perry, Jakob Silfverberg, Patrick Eaves, and Ondrej Kase, Anaheim is pretty set at right wing in the NHL. If a right wing prospect is going to make it in Anaheim this coming season, it will be Troy Terry. If Sideroff can really rebound and be one of San Diego’s better forwards this coming season, he could have a chance at making his NHL debut in the 2019-2020 season. If not, he’ll have to wait until his second professional contract to get a taste of the NHL.
Sideroff has two years left on his entry-level deal, and he’ll be a restricted free agent when it ends. Sideroff’s first professional season wasn’t great, but he’s a good enough player to rebound and have a much better year. If he can do that, he’ll likely get an extension in two years’ time. If not, then the Ducks will probably opt to not re-sign him. Personally, I think he’ll have a much better season and get a two-way deal for one or two years when his current contract is up.
The next prospect update will be on Andy Welinski.
Related Articles:
Prospect Profile: Kiefer Sherwood
Prospect Profile: Chase De Leo
Prospect Update: Brent Gates, Jr.
Prospect Update: Olle Eriksson Ek
Prospect Update: Julius Nattinen
Prospect Update: Angus Redmond
Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!
DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!
July 28th, 2018