NOTABLE ADDITIONS
Eric Boguniecki, C (Signed as a free agent, previously in Europe)
Josh Green, C (Signed as a free agent, previously in Europe)
David LeNeveu, G (Signed as a free agent, previously with the New York Rangers)
Joakim Lindstrom, RW (Trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets)
Steve Montador, D (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Florida Panthers)
Brendan Morrison, C (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Vancouver Canucks)
NOTABLE LOSSES
Marc-Andre Bergeron, D (Traded to the Minnesota Wild)
Todd Bertuzzi, RW (Signed as a free agent with the Calgary Flames)
Joe DiPenta, D (Signed with V. Frolunda of the Swedish Elite League)
Doug Weight, C (Signed as a free agent with the New York Islanders)
2007-08 Season Finish: 2nd Pacific Division, 4th Western Conference, 102 Pts.
2007-08 Playoffs: Lost 4-2 to Dallas Stars in Quarterfinals
2008-09 Prediction: 3rd Pacific Division, 5th Western Conference
The Anaheim Ducks lost only a couple of familiar faces from last season when they bought out Todd Bertuzzi's contract and let Doug Weight go via free agency to trim their payroll a little. To compensate for their losses, the Ducks signed long-time Vancouver Canucks center Brendan Morrison to a 1 year contract. Morrison will bring plenty of depth and experience for the Ducks at center. With Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Chris Kunitz coming off of strong seasons, plus with Bobby Ryan ready to make the team, the Ducks should be able to roll good 1st and 2nd lines, however, the team's offensive producers drop off after that. Sami Pahlsson still gives the Ducks a good two-way center for their 3rd line, while Rob Neidermayer, Brad May, George Parros, Travis Moen, and Brian Sutherby all provide valuable grittiness to the Ducks' checking lines. Newcomers Joakim Lindstrom, Josh Green, and Eric Boguniecki will likely have to battle for a roster spot at training camp and will likely end up starting the season in the minors. Anaheim's 2007 1st round pick Logan MacMillan will likely push for a roster spot as well. The Ducks are also interested in resigning Teemu Selanne, but will have to make a trade to shed some salary, as they currently lack the cap space to sign him.
Anaheim's defense is still as strong as it was last season and will be among the best in the league this season. Scott Neidermayer and Chris Pronger will again be one of the best defensive pairings in the NHL next season. Francois Beauchemin and Sean O'Donnell will provide plenty of grittiness on the Ducks blueline. While Mathieu Schneider gives the Ducks a good boost of offense on their defense, he is rumored to be the player the Ducks will trade in order to resign Selanne. If Schneider is indeed traded, Steve Montador will likely take his place. If no trade is made, Montador will likely have to battle Kent Huskins for the final spot on the Ducks' defense. Prospect defensemen Brendan Mikkelson and Brian Salcido will likely push for a roster spot on the Ducks' defense at training camp for the 6th spot.
J.S. Giguere and Jonas Hiller return as the Ducks' goaltending tandem this season. Both enjoyed good seasons in 2007-08 and will likely do so again in 2008-09. Hiller will likely challenge Giguere for the starting position over the next few seasons, he's not likely to do so this season.
STRENGTHS
- Very strong defense that remains virtually unchanged from last season.
- Young scorers from last season will likely improve their play this season.
- Plenty of toughness on their checking lines.
WEAKNESSES
- Offensive production drops off after 2nd line
- Will likely have to sacrifice a defenseman to improve their offense.
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