Rickard Rakell is viewed as the favorite to claim the Ducks' No. 3 center job before training camp ends, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports.

Rakell is viewed as the favorite to claim the Ducks' No. 3 center job before training camp ends, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports.

Analysis:

The 21-year-old Rakell is battling another young Swede (William Karlsson) for those duties, but seems to have the inside track, thanks to the 18 games he logged with the Ducks last season. With Saku Koivu announcing his retirement in the offseason, Rakell prepared for an appointment to the third line by adding 10 pounds of muscle in the offseason. He's adapted well to the added responsibility thus far in training camp, but the strong play of Karlsson has kept the competition between the two centers closer than what was initially thought. If Rakell is able to stave off Rakell and win the gig, the Ducks' quality depth on the wing could potentially aid him to a 30-point season.