Troy Terry‘s 2023-24 season can only be described as disappointing, especially following his big contract extension. Expectations were high, but it begs the question: Has Terry already hit his peak?
2023-24 Season in Review
Terry finished the season second on the Ducks in points and goals, with 20 goals and 34 assists for a total of 54 points. On paper, this doesn’t look bad, but the on-ice reality tells a different story. Terry often appeared frustrated, overextending himself by weaving through defenders, which led to turnovers and lost scoring opportunities. Whether it was nagging injuries, adjusting to life as a new father, or the pressure of his new contract, something seemed off. Even when he had scoring chances, he either missed the net or didn’t have the space to get a quality shot off.
This is a problem when you’re paid to score goals, but perhaps the expectations for Terry’s goal-scoring were too high.
The Shooting Decline
Can Terry reach 30 goals again? Sure, but consistency remains an issue. His 37-goal season in 2021-22 came with a 19% shooting percentage—an unsustainable figure, as the past two seasons have shown. In 2022-23, his shooting percentage dropped to 12.2%, and last season it slipped further to 11.6%. If Terry had shot 12% during his breakout year, we’d be talking about 23 goals, not 37.
While Terry isn’t among the NHL’s elite shooters, he can capitalize on good opportunities. A large part of his 2021-22 success was due to playing alongside an aging yet still elite playmaker in Ryan Getzlaf. Despite often being shuffled across lines, the chemistry between Terry and Getzlaf played a huge role in his career year. It’s possible Getzlaf set him up for that big payday. While Terry’s current contract isn’t too far off his value, it will likely be seen as an overpay for what he’ll bring during it.
Fortunately, the Ducks have two soon-to-be (if not already) elite playmakers in Leo Carlsson and Trevor Zegras. If Terry finds himself alongside the right center, he has shown he can still produce.
What to Expect from Terry
Going forward, Terry should consistently contribute 20 to 25 goals, with the occasional 30-goal season sprinkled in. Not every player on a championship team needs to be a 30-goal scorer or an All-Star year after year. Terry has already earned two All-Star selections, and even if he never receives another, that’s okay.
Terry is a great complementary piece. With the continued development of younger players like Carlsson and Zegras, Terry could find more space on the ice, leading to better scoring opportunities and, potentially, an improved shooting percentage.
During his 37-goal season, Terry attacked the net more aggressively, which led to higher-quality shots and better results. To replicate that success, he’ll need to stay healthy, get out of his own head, and regain the scoring touch that earned him his contract. While he may never reach the heights fans hoped for after his breakout season, he now understands the pressures of a big contract and balancing family life as a new father.
Off-Ice Factors
Terry and his wife are expecting their second child this season, which means he’s likely to miss some games—whether due to injury or family commitments. It’s realistic to anticipate that Terry won’t play all 82 games this year, but he could still bounce back and hit the 60-point mark with around 25 goals.
Defensive Contributions
Terry’s defensive play shouldn’t be overlooked. He’s reliable in his own zone, which is why, like Carlsson, he’s expected to take on penalty-killing duties this season. If he performs well, his contract could eventually seem less of an overpayment and more of a fair valuation for a well-rounded player.
Thank you for reading, and GO DUCKS!
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ITR 26: 2 Nations Fighting – Inside The Rink
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