The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Jake Dotchin to a one-year contract. Dotchin would have to clear re-entry waivers before he can officially join the Ducks. 

Dotchin was originally drafted in the sixth round, 161 overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2012 NHL draft. Dotchin officially singed with the Lightning in April of 2014.

Dotchin started his professional career with the Lightning’s affiliate team, the Syracuse Crunch. He would end up playing in 157 games with the Crunch scoring 44 points (11 goals and 33 assists). He also racked up 339 penalty minutes.

He would make his NHL debut on January 21, 2017, vs the Arizona Coyotes. He scored his first goal on on November 8, 2017, against the San Jose Sharks. Dotchin would go on to play in 35 games in the 2016-17 season, scoring 11 assists and receiving 35 penalty minutes. Dotchin would play 83 games with the Lightning, scoring 22 points (3 goals and 19 assists) and 73 penalty minutes. 

In July of 2017, Dotchin signed a two-year, one-way extension with the Lightning. On September 4, 2018, the Lightning placed Dotchin on unconditional waivers to terminate his contract. Dotchin was reportedly over his playing weight and was not in shape. It was said he was approximately 30-35 pounds above his playing weight. 

Dotchin is a good sized, right shot, defenseman who isn’t afraid to be physical. To mix it up in front of the net and clear the traffic. He has a compassion to Radko Gudas ,or to Ducks fans, Josh Manson, with less skill. He needs to improve on covering the defensive zones better and his work ethic to his profession as he was terminated for not being in shape to play. 

The Dotchin signing comes to a shock for Ducks fans. The Ducks have a surplus of defenseman on the roster and more in their system who could possibly make the NHL jump. Dotchin, who doesn’t appear to have any personal things going on, hasn’t put in the work to prove he belongs in the league. His is a professional athlete and should conduct himself in that way each and every season. I do love his willingness to be physical but still not sold on his willingness to give it his all. 

The Ducks have great scouts and I’ll trust them. Regardless, if he clears waivers tomorrow (10/18) then he will be a Ducks player. So welcome to the Ducks, Dotchin. 

Phil Wunderlich contributed to this article.

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