Anaheim Ducks star forward Troy Terry is playing well, and the NHL recently named him Second Star of the Week for his standout performance during the week ending January 5, 2025. Terry delivered an impressive four goals and two assists in four games, propelling the Ducks to three crucial victories. This accolade highlights his importance to the team, his status as one of the league’s best, and his continued excellence on the ice.
A Bright Spot in Dark Times
Last Anaheim Ducks Star of the Week
The last time an Anaheim Duck earned NHL Star of the Week honours was over a year ago when Mason McTavish was named the Third Star on November 5, 2023. Before that, Troy Terry himself earned Third Star honours on November 15, 2021. This is not surprising given the Ducks struggles over the past few seasons. However, Terry’s latest recognition reinforces his role as one of the franchise’s most consistent and impactful players and an important piece as this team tries to emerge from a rebuild.
Troy Terry’s On-Ice Performance and Role on the Ducks
Terry has solidified himself as a leader and a cornerstone of the Ducks offence. This season, he leads the team in scoring with 15 goals and 19 assists, totaling 34 points in 41 games. Five of his goals have been opening goals and his overtime goal against Winnipeg was his third game-winner, showing his propensity to score timely goals. Known for his versatility, he excels both as a scorer and a playmaker, delivering in critical situations such as power plays and overtime.
Additionally, Terry’s defensive contributions have also been noteworthy this season. He boasts a +1 plus/minus rating, a rare achievement for a player who gets the amount of minutes he does on a team that has faced its share of challenges. This stat highlights his ability to contribute to positive outcomes on the ice, even in tough matchups.
One of Terry’s most underrated skills is his ability to draw penalties while staying disciplined himself. This season, Terry has drawn 16 penalties and taken just three, giving him one of the best penalty differentials in the NHL. His knack for forcing opponents into mistakes not only helps Anaheim maintain momentum but also generates crucial power-play opportunities for the team.
Highest net penalties this season:
+9 — Troy Terry
+7 — J.T. Miller
+7 — Nico Hischier
+7 — William EklundTerry keeps adding random skills to his repertoire. pic.twitter.com/HRZhQ1w2Qx
— Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) November 8, 2024
As Terry Goes, The Ducks Go
Terry’s leadership was on full display during the Ducks recent hot streak. Anaheim went 4-1-0 over the five games before Terry went on a short paternity leave, securing victories against some of the NHL’s top teams, including the Winnipeg Jets, New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Edmonton Oilers.
One of the highlights of the week came against Winnipeg, where Terry scored the overtime game-winner in dramatic fashion. Adding to the moment, goaltender John Gibson recorded a rare primary assist on the play—just the second of his career. Gibson’s quick decision-making set the stage for Terry’s heroics, further showcasing his ability to capitalize in key situations.
Evaluating Terry’s Value: Net Rating and Salary
Troy Terry’s value to the Ducks extends to both his on-ice performance and his contract. Currently, Terry’s offensive rating stands at +3.9, while his defensive rating is -1.8, giving him a net rating of +2.1, according to Dom Luszczyszyn’s model. This positive net rating showcases his offensive strengths and ability to generate positive outcomes.
To contextualize his performance, a replacement-level player typically has a net rating of -7. Terry, with a net rating of +2.1, is 9.1 points above the replacement level. Each net rating point is worth 0.1657 wins, translating to approximately 1.5 wins above replacement this season (Wins Contributed: 2.1 × 0.1657 = ~1.5 wins). This showcases Terry’s consistent and valuable contributions to the Ducks, particularly in offensive situations, despite any defensive shortcomings.
Given that each win is valued at $3.3 million for forwards, Terry’s performance this season is worth approximately $4.95 million. While Terry’s current net rating value may be slightly below his $7 million AAV, the intangibles he provides—such as leadership, penalty drawing, and his status as the Ducks best player—make him an invaluable asset, making his contract a bargain for Anaheim.
In contrast to previous seasons, Terry’s net rating and value have remained stable, (he was +3 at the end of last season) reflecting his continued role as a cornerstone player for the Ducks. His performance is a significant driver of Anaheim’s recent success, especially as the team works to improve its overall standing in the league.
The Ducks without Terry
The Ducks felt Terry’s absence during the three games he missed due to the birth of his second child. They dropped the first two games of the road trip to the Blues and Flyers, and they were outscored 12 to two. The Ducks will need him at his best to turn this season around.
A Player in His Prime
At 27, Troy Terry is in his prime, and his consistent performance cements him as a key piece in Anaheim’s efforts to return to playoff contention. His recognition as the NHL’s Second Star of the Week underscores his impact and leadership, ensuring the Ducks have a dependable star to guide their resurgence. His line with Frank Vatrano and Ryan Strome is the most consistent line on the team and the only one that shows signs of chemistry. Ducks fans will hope Terry can maintain his high level of play as the Ducks attempt to break the rebuild cycle. The whispers around Anaheim constantly involve wasting players’ prime years through this perpetual rebuild. It would be a shame if Terry became another player in that category. One player can only do so much in the ultimate team sport.
Main Photo Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
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