Anaheim Ducks Unexpectedly Terminate Young Top Prospect's Contract

Why Anaheim Moved On from Young Defenseman Rodwin Dionicio

Taken in the 5th round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft from the OHL's Windsor Spitfires, Dionicio struggled to stay with the Ducks' AHL affiliate San Diego Gulls, appearing in only 24 games with 9 points (5G, 4A).

He was then loaned to EHC Biel-Bienne of the Swiss National League.

Right now, there is no report as to a potential incident that could have caused the Ducks to make this decision, but that could be forthcoming in the coming days and weeks.

His scouting report on Elite Prospects reads as follows:

Nearly every puck touch, Dionicio looks to create. He's a manipulator, using fakes, changes of pace, and handling skill to constantly stack the deck in his favour. He uses one or all those skills to draw in multiple opponents, before hitting the open teammate across the ice, whether he's on the point or leading the breakout.

What Contract Termination Means for Ducks' Blue Line Depth

It's an interesting decision on the part of the Ducks given their lack of defensive prospects (only 13 total defensemen are signed this year), and especially considering the offensive upside that Dionicio has shown earlier in his career.

It looks like he'll have to wait for another chance to play professional hockey in North America.