Duke is one of Syracuse’s better forwards, both able to create offense and disrupt with his constant motor. Very few players play in the NHL standing 5-10 and don’t check the boxes of above-average skating and relentless motors. Duke covers the motor, but his skating is not much more than average, and that makes predicting Duke’s staying power in the NHL hard. He’s skilled and tenacious enough that I can envision a path to the NHL, but it’s going to be as a bottom-six energy player who will chip in points in the 30-40 point range. His profile is quite high-risk for what can end up being quite replacement-level fantasy production. When Duke gets stints in the NHL, if he manages to catch on immediately, his value will rocket, but until then I’d recommend careful thought.

Duke’s impact on the Crunch has been so immediate and significant that the Lightning gave him a call-up, where he played on the fourth line and even scored his first NHL goal. Duke may stand at 5-10, but he is most often found in the slot, where he excels at redirecting pucks or burying rebounds. At this point, the only question left for Duke is whether he can handle the physicality of the NHL and expand his role beyond that of an energy forward. He has a strong chance to make the team out of camp; if not, he will be one of the first players called up when needed.

Duke has been able to step into the AHL and thrive. His goalscoring and playmaking abilities have been able to translate well to the professional game. He is on pace to develop into someone who should have a good shot at making an NHL roster. Worth noting that his PIM is quite high in the AHL. If that is due to adapting to the faster pace or signs he might have stick discipline issues is worth monitoring for scoring leagues that track PIM.

Duke was a critical player for a Michigan team that made it to the Frozen Four last season. He has continued to build upon previous years, culminating in leading Michigan in goals. His skating has improved, which has unlocked a better overall game. Trusted by his team on both the power play and penalty kill, he has now completed his best overall campaign. Still a pest in front of the net, an improved playmaking element has just added to his offensive lethality in the slot. Duke had time to play eight games for the Syracuse Crunch last year and didn’t look out of place. Going into his first full AHL campaign this year, it’s time for Duke to prove he can excel at the professional level. It is always a bit tricky to predict how smaller players handle the leap to the pros, but Duke’s play style should aid him in succeeding. Duke is unlikely to be in contention to get a chance with the big club this year. If he has an impressive campaign for the Crunch then he might be in contention next year.

Duke played with much more confidence in his sophomore season. He plays bigger than his 5-10 size, and is the master of the garbage goal. He is a shift disturber in the mold of a Michael Bunting. He was an important third-line player for Team USA at the WJC. – Dobber