Breaking down the Anaheim Ducks ahead of NHL Free Agency.
Updated: Sunday, June 29
Pending free agents
Unrestricted: 8 | Restricted: 8 | See full list
[teamleaders league=”nhl” team=”anh” season=”2013″]
Ducks overview
Once again, the Anaheim Ducks looked like serious Stanley Cup contenders last season, pulling off the best regular season in franchise history and finishing first in the Western Conference. But things fell apart for the Ducks in the playoffs when they lost in the second round to the eventual Cup champion Los Angeles Kings in seven games.
That’s a frustrating reality for a team that seems so close to having all the right pieces. The tandem of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are amongst the league’s elite. Cam Fowler is one the best young defencemen in the game. Fan favourite Teemu Selanne is moving on, and sentiment aside, it’s probably for the best. The Ducks have a few young forwards who can step in. Veteran centre Saku Koivu hasn’t decided if he’s retiring yet, but again, it’s probably best for the Ducks if he calls it quits, with all due respect to Koivu.
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Areas to address
Anaheim filled its need for a second-line centre by picking up the highly-coveted Ryan Kesler from the Vancouver Canucks on draft day. The Ducks gave up Nick Bonino, Luca Sbisa, and first- and third- round picks to fill the much-needed hole behind Ryan Getzlaf. Anaheim coveted Kesler at the trade deadline and was considered a front-runner for his services when it became clear his days in Vancouver were done. It’s a move that makes the Ducks better now — and once again, a serious contender for the Cup.
The Ducks relied on rookie goaltender John Gibbons in the playoffs, essentially ending veteran Jonas Hiller’s time in Anaheim. He will be looking elsewhere as a free agent. Having traded Viktor Fasth at the deadline last year, the Ducks could possibly add a veteran goalie to give some support behind Gibbons and Fredrik Andersen, who saw good minutes last season before going out with a knee injury.
There’s not really a lot needed in Anaheim that can be addressed through free agency. They are in play for a marquee forward to add some firepower to compete in the tough West, but that will come through trades. General manager Bob Murray has built a core and farm system designed to be perennial contenders.
Possible signing targets
Jean-Sebastien Giguere (G): An inexpensive veteran with a winning history in Anaheim. He would be more of a mentor and coach to the next generation than anything. Could be a smart pick up.
Martin Brodeur (G): If one of the greatest goalies of all-time is looking to add another ring to his resume, the Ducks and sunny southern California aren’t a bad option.
Paul Stastny (C): If the Ducks don’t fit into the trade market for Kesler or Spezza, Stastny is a marquee option they could consider to fill the second-line centre role through free agency. Won’t be cheap though.
Ryan O’Reilly (C): An RFA going to arbitration with the Avalanche. If things fall apart in that rocky relationship, the Ducks might look his way to fill that spot on the second-line. Young and talented — a fit in Anaheim.
