The NHL is just 31 days away from the beginning of the 2017/18 season. In the next 31 days, let’s dive into the 31 NHL teams in alphabetical order and look at their previous standings and upcoming season predictions and key additions and subtractions. The first team on our list is the Anaheim Ducks.
2016/17 record: 46-23-13
Key additions: Ryan Miller
Key losses: Nate Thompson, Emerson Etem, Jonathan Bernier, Shea Theodore
2017 prediction: Top three team in their division
In recent years, the Anaheim Ducks have a been a strong veteran team in a weaker division. Since 2013, the Ducks have averaged over 100 points per season.
Captain Ryan Getzlaf has been a cornerstone player for the franchise, along with a young defence core and Jonathan Gibson in net struggling to find his game. The addition of veteran goalie Ryan Miller as a backup will help the team if Gibson starts to lose his confidence in the net.
Even though the Ducks have lost some depth players, they will rely on their veteran roster and internal prospects to carry forward their success. Yet losing a solid defenseman in Shea Theodore might hurt the teams future D-core going forward. Locking up their number one defensemen Cam Fowler was a smart decision with an amazing contract. The Ducks will have plenty of young D-men to fill the void of Theodore.
After a third round exit in the playoffs to the Nashville Predators, Head Coach Randy Carlyle and his team are looking to march back and reclaim another division title and win the Stanley Cup.
The Ducks may have a threat in the upcoming young team the Edmonton Oilers and the new Vegas Golden Knights who will play the inaugural season in the NHL. Yet the Ducks have shown their dominance in recent years and if everything goes according to plan, should have no problem repeating their 100 points per season goal.
The Ducks should be a playoff team once again and be top of the Western Conference in The NHL.
What are your thoughts on the Duck’s chances this season? Comment below or join in the conversation on twitter!