Hockey Teams

For my second article I'll paint a picture of the Anaheim Ducks. After my little résumé, i'll position myself on wether they improved or if they will struggle again this year.

Like I did with Montreal, I'll start with the key arrivals and departures. The Ducks only added one forward and it's Dereck Grant. He's not a player who'll change the Anaheim Ducks, but it gives them a little bit of depth that this team is clearly lacking. For the defensemen, the off-season was more then eventful. Three departures plus a big arrival in Kevin Shattenkirk. Shattenkirk is a nice upgrade at the blue line and with the departure of Michael Del Zotto, Erik Gudbranson and Matt Irwin, Anaheim decreased their cap space. The last departure was goalie, Ryan Miller. Last season was not a good one for the 40 years old American. With a GAA of 3.10 Miller was certainly not close to what he accustomed us to when he was a Buffalo Sabres. Another player who, by the absence of a new contract offer, allows a nice cap space save for the Californians.

But what about the players that will be back or those young ones who could grab themselves a full time job with the big club. Offensive wise, the Ducks have a core that is getting older. The four most important forwards are Getzlaf, Adam Henirque, Jakob Silfverberg and David Backes are all 30 years old or older. To those four you can add Ryan Kesler, but he's still on the injured reserve. Luckily, some young players could take some important responsabilities. And if Anaheim wants to improve in comparison to last year those youngster must provide. I'm thinking of Sam Steel and Max Jones who demonstrate some good things. One thing is certain though, they are still learning. Maxime Comtois, Benoît-Olivier Groulx and Trevor Zegras are the future of this offense. Comtois can help the offense and can disturb the opponent with great pressure and solid body checks. I think a season or two with San Diego in the AHL will be valuable for his progress. With some time Max will be a complete player and a good asset to any NHL team. Zegras is still young but his skills are undeniable. The sooner he is NHL ready the better for the Pacific team. Sony Milano and Rickard Rakell need to be efficient for the Anaheim Ducks to perfrm this season because even if I like the future of the Ducks' attack their lack of depth will probably cost them some points. Defensive wise, it's neerly the same as the offense. An old core and good young prospect. Though the defensive core is younger then the offensive one. With Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm, Josh Manson and the new guy, Kevin Shattenkirk, the blue line is not bad but they are lacking "fresh blood". Jacob Larsson is probably the only young defensive player who'll start the next season with the Ducks. He needs to show improvement for the Ducks to be competitive. The last first round pick, Jamie Drysdale, comes in handy for a blue line who needs some young faces. I really loved Drysdale in the last Junior World Championship. His skating skills are above average especially for a young defensman. Plus, his vision was one of the best, in my opinion, in the tournament for defensive player. At his name we can add Brendan Guhle, Axel Andersson and Hunter Drew. After some time with the Gulls, those players could add a nice depth to that defense. John Gibson proved to be a good starter in the NHL. Hopefully for him, his team will be able to step up their game.

In conclusion, Anaheim will probably be in the same position as last year, they will fight to not finish 31st in the league. The upside for the Ducks is the talent of the young prospect. With good support from the staff and veteran players the future is bright for the Californian team.

ML