Prospect Update: Bryce Kindopp

By Thomas Harrington

The Ducks signed Bryce Kindopp as an undrafted free agent at the conclusion of his junior career in the WHL. He just completed his second season with the organization, spending most of it in the AHL, but also made his NHL debut as well.

With the Gulls, Kindopp played in 67 of their 68 games. He scored 12 goals and 29 points, both career highs for him. He finished tied for sixth on the team in goals and ninth in points. Kindopp spent most of the season playing on San Diego’s second and third lines, and saw time on both the powerplay and penalty kill units. He suited up for both of San Diego’s playoff games and was scoreless. Kindopp was called up to Anaheim at the end of December and made his NHL debut against Philadelphia a few days later. He was scoreless, had two shots, and played 6:06.

I had a very simple expectation for Kindopp this past season, to be better than his rookie year. Well, he set career highs in goals, assists, points, and games played, so mission accomplished. Making his NHL debut was a nice bonus. He was one of my dark horse candidates to make the NHL this past season, but of the four forwards on that list, I thought he was the least likely to make it.

This coming year, Kindopp will likely spend most of it in San Diego again. While the Ducks could have some open roster positions, I don’t think he’s in line to grab one of them for the entire year. I do think he’ll get some games with the Ducks, but he should be with the Gulls for most of the season. He should continue to be a mainstay on the team’s penalty kill unit while also seeing time on the powerplay as well. He’ll never be an elite player in the NHL and could end up being primarily a minor league player throughout his career, but if that happens, Kindopp will be a very effective player at the AHL level. He’s the kind of player who can safely be called up to the NHL when they need a player to give them safe minutes because of injury.

I have two expectations for Kindopp this coming year. First, when he is with the Gulls, to continue to be a dependable forward and to be better than he was this past season. Second, for him to play in the NHL again. Six minutes of ice time isn’t a ton, and I’d really like him to get more of a shot with the Ducks this year. I don’t think he’ll get a ton of games, and wouldn’t be surprised if it was just a game or two, but I expect to see him in an Anaheim uniform at least one time this coming season.

Kindopp has one year left on his entry-level deal and will be a restricted free agent next season. I expect the Ducks to re-sign him to a one- or two-year deal on a two-way contract. If Kindopp has an amazing training camp and stays with the Ducks all year, then he will have earned a one-way deal.

The next prospect update will be on Jackson LaCombe.

Related Articles:

Prospect Update: Hunter Drew

Prospect Update: Brayden Tracey

Prospect Update: BO Groulx

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August 11th, 2022