The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim didn't drastically alter their lineup this off-season because it wasn’t necessary. The organization possesses some of the most talented individuals in the league along with a few key role players. Over the past five seasons, Randy Carlyle has coached this club to an impressive 223-142-45. Carlyle is very familiar with management and the players on his team, so there are no transitional difficulties to deal with this season. Bob Murray once worked under Brian Burke as the Senior Vice President for the Ducks before being promoted to general manager in 2008. Having learned from one of the best in the business, Murray will continue his success as the big boss. With a healthy goaltender back in net, a formidable defense and a potent offense, Anaheim will again be dangerous this season.
On offense, the Ducks have the best top line in the NHL consisting of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan. This line produced 37% of the team’s offensive production last season - 245 of a total 661 points. They also spent over 20 minutes on the ice per game. The majority of this time was spent cycling down low in the opponent’s end. Their big bodies make it impossible for defensemen to move them off the boards. The main center and captain, Ryan Getzlaf, has terrorized the league since the 2005-06 season. He’s been especially dangerous in the last four years, attaining point-per-game status every season. Getzlaf is a Stanley Cup champion and, as the leader of this squad, understands what it takes to win. Unfortunately, he missed several games last season with a facial injury, but should come back this season for a strong performance - 100 points isn’t unthinkable. Corey Perry was the MVP of the league last year, leading his team with 50 goals and 98 points. Like Getzlaf, Perry has been in the big league for six seasons, so he’s just now entering his prime. He always seems to know exactly where to put the puck, whether it’s a crisp pass or a quick snipe. Did I mention he’s mean? He had 104 penalty minutes last year. With the ability to dish, finish and fight, expect Perry to have another outstanding season, especially if you’re in a fantasy league. Bobby Ryan is the youngster on this line at age 24. Although not as experienced as the two mentioned above, Ryan still has a plethora of talent to devastate opposing players. His production has increased every season since joining the team and there are no indications of him slowing down. He’s learning from some of the best in NHL and should continue to develop into an elite superstar. The Ducks’ second line shouldn’t be overlooked however. Teemu Selanne is back for at least one more season for $4 million. Although 41, this contract is a steal for a forward who produced 80 points last season. Selanne is most dangerous on the power play where he accumulated 34 of his points. Still possessing the abilities to skate, shoot and fin(n)ish, Selanne is going to have another strong performance. He was also able to convince Saku Koivu to come over, and ultimately stay with the club. As a fellow Fin, Koivu has an eerie chemistry with the sniping winger. Over the past six seasons, in Anaheim and Montreal, he has been a consistent producer of at least 45 points a season. Last season was the worst in that time frame, but I anticipate a bounce-back year playing another season on a line with Selanne. Although Jason Blake played alongside Koivu and Selanne last season, if his performance repeats, he will definitely see a demotion. He was only able to muster a meager 32 points in 76 games. For his $4 million contract, this is completely unacceptable. In a contract year this coming season, we may see Blake return to his 50-point form. Andrew Cogliano was brought over from Edmonton in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2012. With all of the new, young talent flooding the offense in Edmonton, management no longer felt the need for his services. Cogliano is only 24, leaving plenty of time to grow into a consistent role in Anaheim – maybe replacing Blake on the second line. While playing for the Oilers, he was good for 30-40 points a season. Playing with more talented teammates should increase his usefulness. After the top seven players, there is a sharp drop in talent. George Parros is a Princeton-educated man who provides player security on the ice. Standing 6’5” and weighing 222 pounds, Parros is a terrifying opponent to face. When the gloves need to be dropped, he doesn’t hesitate – proof lies in his 171 penalty minutes last season. Don’t count on him for more than ten points, but expect him to play his role well. The Ducks have two youngsters with the potential to breakout next season: Brandon McMillan and Matt Beleskey. In his first NHL season, McMillan was able to put up a respectable 21 points in 60 games. In these next few seasons, McMillan will be counted on for more ice time and production, but the two almost go hand-in-hand. He plays the penalty kill as well which speaks volumes to his responsibility. Beleskey missed a good chunk of last season with a concussion. In his two NHL seasons, he’s accumulated 28 points in 95 games which isn’t awful, but his combined negative-20 over that time is a different story. Beleskey is a speedy forward who can definitely make an impact when in the lineup. If his defensive play improves, he’ll be trusted with more responsibilities, other than fighting. Jean-Francois Jacques was recently suspended for immediately starting a fight after jumping on the ice. He’s played sporadically for the Oilers, but appears to be solely relied upon for his muscles. With Parros already in the lineup and his recent suspension, he may have lost some confidence from the organization. Andrew Gordon was signed as an unrestricted free agent over the summer after playing only 12 games in the past three seasons in Washington. He had two points last season and is looking to secure a spot in the Anaheim lineup. Dan Sexton and Kyle Palmieri will also get more time to shine throughout the year.
Offensive Score: B+
Lubomir Visnovsky heads a group of talented defensemen. Last season, he led all NHL defensemen in points with 68. His plus/minus was impressive as well at a positive-18 – good enough for second on the team. He averaged the most time on ice out of any player on his team and will likely continue that statistic this season. His offensive abilities and puck-moving skills come at no cost to his defensive responsibilities. His partner, Toni Lydman, is an extremely solid defensive defenseman whose plus-32 was the highest on his team and second in the NHL, behind Zdeno Chara. These two paired together form one of the most dynamic, defensive duos in the league. Cam Fowler was tremendous in his rookie campaign for the Ducks. Although he was a negative-25, worst on the team, he did put up 40 points. He’s a power play specialist with the ability to get pucks to open teammates and to the front of the net when shooting. At only 19 years of age, Fowler will continue to grow and eventually be a cornerstone of this defensive squad moving forward. After leaving Anaheim in 2009, Francois Beauchemin is back for at least another year with the club after being traded for Joffrey Lupul, Jake Gardiner and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2013. I say “at least” because giving up so much would indicate that the Ducks want to extend his stay. Beauchemin is a physical defenseman who blocks a ton of shots. He has an offensive side as well, but it probably won’t be more than 30-35 points. Luca Sbisa was signed to a four-year extension just before the end of last season. He’s 21 and has played in three, brief NHL seasons. Over those seasons, he’s totaled 19 points in 115 games. Like Fowler, Sbisa is a talented, young defenseman with a lot of time to improve his game. Carlyle will ensure he gets the most out of this defenseman. Sheldon Brookbank and Kurtis Foster round out the defensive troops. Foster was brought over from the Oilers in exchange for Andy Sutton. Foster is currently nursing a left-thigh injury he suffered earlier this month and is sidelined indefinitely. He’s played for a variety of NHL teams, but when healthy can be counted on for about 30 points. The same cannot be said for Brookbank. He’s never had more than nine points in an NHL season, but provides some strength on the backend. He’ll get a few penalty minutes and bruises throughout the course of the season.
Defensive Score: B+
A sigh of relief can be breathed by the Duck faithful as Jonas Hiller is symptom-free from vertigo. Hiller missed a good portion of the 2010-2011 season and all of the playoffs from the condition, but is ready to bounce-back. He’s an Olympic goaltender who in the past few seasons has truly solidified himself as a starter. He’s never had a losing season in the NHL and I don’t expect that to change. His backup, Dan Ellis, has shown glimpses of brilliance, especially in his first season with Nashville, but hasn’t been able to play well consistently. Over the past two seasons however, Ellis has been a reliable backup going 36-23.
Goaltending Score: B+
Anaheim will definitely be a strong competitor at season’s end.
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