Observations:

March 2016 – In the 56 games Manson has appeared in for the Ducks, he has proven to be a solid addition to the back end of one of the best teams in the NHL. He has spent most of his time paired with Hampus Lindholm, and posted a decent stat line of four goals, seven assists, and a plus-nine rating. He will need to continue to be a factor in the defensive zone if the Ducks want to get out of the Western Conference and make a strong run for the cup. He has a big frame, and uses it well clearing bodies from in front of his own net. Although he does not receive minutes on the power play, he can be effective in the offensive zone, but his main purpose is helping keep pucks out of the net. Bryan Puffer

January 2016 – Manson has emerged as a constant figure on the Ducks' blueline, skating in 24 of their first 34 contests. He is one point behind his scoring total of three from last season, netting two goals thus far. His point production does not jump off the page, and he is still learning the ways of the road when it comes to playing in the National Hockey League. Yet, he is an ultra-competitive person and has intangible leadership qualities that make him an asset for any NHL club. Bryan Puffer

Josh Manson has worked his way up the steep ladder of different hockey leagues before finally getting his chance to play for the Anaheim Ducks in 2014. His time in juniors were spent with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in the BCHL, where his solid numbers and big frame caught the eye of Northeastern University of the NCAA. Beginning in 2011, Manson made his debut with Northeastern, appearing in 33 games and tallying four assists as a freshman. Manson appeared in 33 games for Northeastern in each of the following two seasons. In his sophomore year, he posted three goals, and four assists. The following season, he was named captain of his Northeastern squad as a junior, posting a three-goal, seven-assist stat line and plus-12. Shortly after his NCAA season wrapped up, Manson joined the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL, ending his stint at Northeastern a year early to join the professional ranks. He finished the final nine games in Norfolk with one goal to his résumé. The 2014-2015 season would be his first full year playing professional hockey, splitting his time between the Anaheim Ducks and Norfolk Admirals. In the 28 games Josh played for the Ducks, he amassed 31 penalty minutes, a plus-1, and posted three assists. The other half of the season he spent in Norfolk, appearing in 36 games for the Admirals, compiling three goals and nine assists. It is becoming apparent that his big-body presence on the blueline could become a staple on the Ducks' back end. Bryan Puffer

Fantasy Outlook: C+

Manson does not have top-pairing abilities, but still has room to improve and try and find a way to get on the scoresheet.  His stay-at-home style of defense doesn’t make him a great option for fantasy owners, but he has been known to compile a decent amount of PIMs.

Footage:

{youtube}KVMiMGlDT84 {/youtube}

Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

{source}<iframe src="http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=47762" width="100%" height="350" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe>{/source}